This position is an anticipated vacancy. It is expected to be vacant by 08/30/2019. However, the current incumbent has a right to rescind their retirement, leave, or resignation up until the day of the expected vacancy date. Your hire will not be confirmed until the position is vacated, and you may start the year as a Long-Term Substitute if the position does not become vacant by the start of the school year.

Behavioral Health Services Pupil Adjustment Counselor

Terms: BTU
Location: Behavioral Health Services: Boston Latin Academy
Reports to: Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services

Background & Overview:
The Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department is responsible for supporting the behavioral health needs of all students. Through a continuum of promotion, prevention, at-risk and intensive services the staff of BHS provide direct services to students as well as support to school staff and families. Working closely with community partners and allied city agencies the BHS department assists in connecting schools, students and families with needed community supports.

Position Summary and General Responsibilities:
The Pupil Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker provides an array of services to students and families as well as support services to the school community. These responsibilities include sociological assessments, individual and group counseling, participation on school teams and involvement in Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports.

Responsibilities:

1. Visits student's homes to interview parents/guardians and others, as appropriate, in order to write a sociological assessment.
2. Prepares assessment reports according to DESE regulations.
3. Participates actively in Eligibility Determination Meetings and Individualized Educational Planning Meetings in order to produce comprehensive and appropriate educational plans for those students being evaluated.
4. Provides counseling services, as needed, both individually and in small groups.
5. Provides individual student interventions and as management, as needed.
6. Lead members of the Crisis Response Team.
7. Consult with administrators, teachers, parents and related service providers to support and collaborate with staff and help build structures to promote positive school climate.
8. Provides trainings and professional development education to the district and individual schools on topics such as trauma sensitive schools, social-emotional learning, and de-escalation.
9. In conjunction with the family and other professionals, assists in arranging services from health centers, social service agencies, recreational programs, hospitals and other community services.
10. Establishes and supports communication between home and school for assigned students.
11. Provides support in the development and implementation of social emotional learning and tiered level support (Multi-tiered System of Support and Comprehensive Behavioral Health Model).

1. Is an active member of school teams and participant in school based meetings.
2. Works cooperatively with all Behavioral Health team members as well as all school staff to enhance the services offered to all students in the school system.
3. Performs other related duties as requested by the Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services.

Qualifications - Required:

1. Computer literate.
2. Minimum of 5-year professional experience in an urban setting providing educational and clinical services.
3. Certification by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education as a School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker.
4. Masters Degree in Social Work or School Counseling.
5. Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

1. Demonstrated ability to establish positive relationships with students and adults. Experience with urban youth.
2. Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.

Qualifications - Preferred:

1. Certification in Psychological First Aid
2. Certification in Conflict Resolution
3. Clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and families in Mental Health
4. Background working with diverse population of students and families
5. Bilingual
6. Experience working with special education system

Terms/Salary Grade: BTU, Group I

Please refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohc (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.