School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor - Elementary

School Counselor

Duties:

• Responsible to the Principal working in conjunction with the Director of Student Support Services.
• Implement the elementary, middle, high school student development curriculum.
• Guide individuals and groups of students through the successful transition from grade to grade and level to level.
• Counsel individuals and small groups of students toward academic, social, and emotional growth.
• Consult with and train teachers, parents and staff regarding student's needs.
• Work with other Counselors and City Connects Coordinators to refer students who have barriers to learning and their parents to special programs, specialists and outside agencies.
• Participate in and facilitate the problem solving process (STAT).
• Participate in the planning and evaluation of the counseling program
• Pursue continuous professional growth.
• The School Counselors, Adjustment Counselors and City Connects Coordinators will work with the principal to schedule by October 1 of each year, a presentation to the school staff and administrators about the school's student support services, and each of their roles and responsibilities. This will include the referral process for all staff to use.

Professional Responsibility:

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain records consistent with ethical and legal guidelines.
• Perform responsibilities in an organized, accurate, timely and dependable manner.
• Operate within the federal and state laws and the established district and school procedures and policies.
• Provide support for other school and district programs and personnel.
• Attend district professional development and meetings.
• Keep informed of current professional trends.
• Utilizes computers effectively in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Pursue professional growth.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Principal

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Social Work or Counseling.
• Certification (Initial License) as a School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor by the Massachusetts Department of Education at the appropriate grade level (elementary, middle or high).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of theoretical frameworks of intellectual, social, and emotional development.
• Familiarity with philosophy, principles, and practices in social work or counseling.
• Familiarity with mental health and emotional impairments including learning disorders affecting student achievement.
• Familiarity with prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in students.
• Experience with crisis management and intervention.
• Knowledge of medical conditions and medication related to physical disabilities and learning disorders.

If you believe, we have a place for you on our team! Come work for us!

About our District:

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

Join a team that empowers educators:

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you.

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.