School Adjustment Counselor

Job Details Job ID: 5785571 Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026 Application Deadline: Posted until filled Posted: Jun 16, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC) Job Description We are deeply committed to an inclusive curriculum and school community that reflects the diversity of our student population. We strive to have the highest quality educators and encourage applications from candidates representing a broad range of skills and diverse backgrounds. We seek candidates who are dedicated to inclusion and have a clear interest in being part of the richness of diversity that the New Bedford Public Schools community has to offer. Position: School Adjustment Counselor Objective: The School Adjustment Counselor will assist students with academic learning and achievement by providing strategic services that identify and address social‑emotional, behavioral, and environmental concerns interfering with the educational process. Working with parents/guardians, teachers, the school principal or designee, and community resources, the counselor implements strategies to promote positive school adjustment and overall well‑being. Responsibilities Identify and assess academic and behavioral concerns by analyzing factors that impact student adjustment, including home, school, and community. Serve as liaison between families and the school, promoting collaborative educational planning and encouraging family participation. Educate students and families about the importance of daily attendance, graduation, and college/career planning for all levels (PK‑12). Determine and implement therapeutic strategies to effect behavioral and social changes for students and families. Assist in developing a Response to Intervention (RTI) model, including in‑school and community supports, and serve on student assistance teams. Provide individual and group counseling (e.g., anxiety support, social skills training, anger management, conflict resolution). Coordinate participation in the school’s bullying prevention program (Olweus). Develop and implement behavioral improvement plans addressing academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Develop, implement, model, and track a PBIS system for a school‑wide positive behavioral structure. Conduct classroom meetings, psycho‑educational/core‑value groups, and presentations on identified concerns. Lead lunch groups to teach social skills. Support transitions between grades, levels, and postsecondary education. Assist the Special Education Facilitator with IEP monitoring, compliance, meetings, and paperwork. Complete IEP goals, objectives, and progress reports for students receiving counseling services. Coordinate the 504 process and monitor compliance of 504 plans. Provide family workshops on child development, stress reduction, discipline, safety, and communication. Conduct home assessments or visits as required. Demonstrate cultural competency and awareness of diverse family forms. Collaborate with staff and system personnel to promote student learning. Participate in school‑based teams to develop interventions for academic success. Serve on committees addressing safety, adjustment, and program development. Provide de‑escalation, crisis intervention, and case management for students and families. Offer translation services as needed. Consult staff to support student participation in learning. Provide staff development on social, emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors affecting learning. Develop programs to enhance parent/guardian participation and student engagement. Maintain required clinical records and submit statistical reports in accordance with standards. Complete risk and functional behavior assessments for referred students. Conduct classroom observations to determine needs and support services. Liaise with community agencies to foster communication and mobilize resources. Attend meetings and professional development activities as required. Carry out other duties assigned by the Supervisor of Clinical/Behavioral Services or the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education & Student Services. Qualifications Master's Degree from an accredited college or university (preferred). Evidence of specific professional study in special education, psychology, social work, educational administration, or supervision. Certification in the appropriate area and level by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (School Adjustment Counselor). Licensed or eligible for licensure as LMHC, LCSW, or LICSW. Preferred fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese. Three years’ experience in special education or student services. Three to five years’ experience in mental health or clinical social work practice. Knowledge of the new educator evaluation system. Experience designing and implementing positive behavioral interventions, social‑emotional curriculum, and clinical support for students and families. Experience collaborating with community mental health agencies, child and family services, youth services, mental health departments, and other community programs to integrate services. Experience facilitating Families and Community Together with Schools (FACTS) teams and planning expansion. CPI trained. Excellent written, verbal, and non‑verbal communication skills. Experience in crisis intervention and Signs of Suicide (SOS) participation on the district’s Crisis Response Team. Excellent interpersonal skills with colleagues, district staff, families, and community. Excellent work attendance. Terms of Employment Reports to: School Principal Rate: In accordance with the Unit A contract (see link). The New Bedford Public Schools do not discriminate on account of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, genetics, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. New Bedford Public Schools encourages people with multilingual skills, particularly in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, and/or Spanish, to apply. Every available opportunity will be taken to ensure that each applicant is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit, and ability. Position Type Full‑time Job Categories Student Services > Adjustment Counselor Job Requirements Master’s degree preferred. Citizenship, residency, or work visa required. Contact Information Melissa Rego, Principal 1097 Braley Rd New Bedford, Massachusetts 02745 Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Fax: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr Young World Physical Education