School Counselor - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program

About us:

CAPS Collaborative will work in partnership with districts to provide programs and services of the highest quality. To provide these services, we adhere to the following values:

• To commit every aspect of the organization to providing exceptional educational opportunities for students.
• To demonstrate quality and responsiveness by becoming the first choice of districts for programs and services.
• To be a customer-focused organization that constantly evaluates district needs.
• To integrate quality, integrity, respect, and teamwork into every aspect of the organization.
• To demonstrate accountability through constantly evaluating results and progress toward goals.
• To implement programs and services in the most cost-effective manner and to exercise due diligence in financial decision making.
• We will work in partnership with districts to ensure that students transition to the least restrictive environment in their home school district.

About the role:

The CAPS DHHP High School School Counselor provides services in Newton North High School. Counselors provide students with a variety of services that support their access to the academic curriculum, strengthen social-emotional learning and foster independence. The counselor is expected to individualize services to meet the unique needs of a cognitively and linguistically diverse group of deaf and hard of hearing learners. In addition to providing individual or group services as outlined in students' IEPs, school counselors develop positive relationships with students, families, professional colleagues, and outside agencies. A commitment to lifelong learning and a spirit of collegiality and teamwork are expected and critical to the success of the program.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as students' academic advisory, monitoring academic and social progress, supporting course recommendations/requests and connection to post-secondary transition planning.
• Provide formal and informal career and guidance counseling services to high school students; support students' career research and identification of post-secondary training/education programs.
• Support students in identifying issues that are affecting or may affect the student's access to curriculum.
• Conduct transition assessments and write well-developed reports to be shared with families and districts; use data to identify student interest/needs to support transition planning.
• Implement broad based programs dealing with decision-making, conflict resolution, self-esteem, coping strategies, identity development and other
  issues.
• Support students with the college application and admissions process, including outreach to secure access accommodations.
• Collaborate with the CAPS DHHP Elementary/Middle School Counselor.
• Participate in all aspects of the IEP process including Team Meetings, contributing to the development and monitoring of IEP goals and transition plans.
• Provide consultation to general education teachers and CAPS educational team.
• Provide specially designed instruction around transition related skills as indicated by students' IEPs.
• Communicate regularly and frequently with parents concerning student attendance, goals, and performance.
• Maintain and provide accurate student data and other compliance documentation as required by state and federal laws and regulations.
• Create a positive and inclusive environment with an open respect for diversity.
• Demonstrate positive and responsive classroom management that fosters mutual respect, safety and curiosity.
• Demonstrate the ability to problem solve and engage in thoughtful conflict resolution.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ensure student/staff confidentiality.
• Participate and chaperone school sponsored events and activities (some evening hours required) as requested.
• Participate in the evaluation of prospective students.
• Collaborate with host-school guidance department, following their processes and procedures for course registration.
• Develop an effective and professional working relationship with host school administration, general education teachers and support personnel.
• Keeps abreast of current techniques and trends in school counseling and transition services for deaf and hard of hearing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Candidate requirements:

• Massachusetts Educator License in Special education, Guidance, Social Work, School Adjustment Counselor, or state licensure in Rehabilitation Counseling with eligibility for MA Educator Licensure.
• Master's Degree in Counseling or related field
• Three (3) years successful experience supporting students who are deaf and hard of hearing preferred.
• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and English
• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills
• Commitment to being part of a collaborative team with excellent interpersonal skills necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, support staff and families
• Ability to reflect on one's own practice and see challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement
• Basic technological skills: email, word processing, spreadsheets, shared files/folders/calendars, student information system