Guidance Counselor

Position Type:
FRAA/Guidance Counselor

Date Posted:
9/8/2026

Location:
Matthew J. Kuss Middle School
Position: School Counselor -Guidance

Job Description:

School Counselors will design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes. They lead,
advocate and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students by supporting and developing students' academic,
personal, social, and career/post-secondary plan.

Qualifications:

1. Master's Degree from an accredited institution with a major in school counseling or related field
2. A Massachusetts Certification as a School Counselor (Pre-K-8; 5-12, or K-12)
3. Demonstrated commitment to student growth / achievement

Performance Responsibilities:

1. Collect, analyze, and monitor student data including attendance, course success, graduation/promotion progress,
standardized testing, and post-secondary transition milestones
2. Lead the course selection and student scheduling process to align coursework with graduation requirements and
personal & career interests. Monitors progress in coursework, adjusting courses/schedules as needed throughout
the school year
3. Register new students and provides transition/orientation activities to support school success ensuring equitable
access to school courses, supports, activities and opportunities
4. Facilitate a developmentally appropriate school counseling curriculum through classroom guidance lessons,
small-group sessions, and/or individual sessions on topics such as academic planning, study skills, goal setting,
career exploration, and social-emotional skill development. Will make referrals, where appropriate, to School
Adjustment Counselors, or other school-related or community-based services
5. Build relationships with and serve as a resource for teachers, staff and families regarding, academic,
personal/social and post-secondary developmental of all students. Promotes positive school-family connections
6. Create a college and career culture within the school by exposing students to post-secondary opportunities as well
as facilitating classroom workshops, college/career events, fairs, and info sessions
7. Serve as an advocate, resource and reference for students and families through the post-secondary planning.
Help students navigate admissions and the application process for both college and career opportunities.
8. Connect students to alternative pathways available within the Fall River Public Schools to best support their
academic success and social-emotional needs
9. Works to reduce the number of students who are chronically absent or in danger of dropping out of school.
10. Support data-driven initiatives designed to reduce achievement gaps and promote success of under-served student
populations
11. Help to plan student ceremonies/celebrations throughout the school year (i.e. Student of the Term, Book Awards,
etc)
12. Support the design and implementation of grade recovery and/or credit recovery programs that support academic
recovery of off track students
13. Other related duties as assigned by the Director of School Counseling, Dept Head, and/or school principal

Guidance Counselor 6-12 Approved by School Committee May 2024

The Superintendent of Schools reserves the right to waive a position qualification or determine that there is an acceptable
alternative to that qualification. If the Superintendent intends to waive a qualification, such intent will be shared with the
Fall River School Committee.

Reports To: Director of School Counseling & Pathway Development, Dept. Head of School Counseling- Durfee and/or
School Principal

Terms of Employment: In accordance with the Fall River Administrator's' Association contract. Continued
employment is contingent on work performance, program need, and funding.

Closing Date for Applications: Until filled

The Fall River Public School District is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions
without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation,
marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status or active military status,
mental illness, political affiliation, genetic information or disability. All candidates are encouraged to apply.