School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselors contribute to student success in visible and meaningful ways. The School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor supports a comprehensive developmental counseling program for all students to improve the educational outcomes of students especially students who are experiencing barriers to learning. School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselors structures activities to meet the needs of students; collaborates with teachers, staff, and parents to enhance their effectiveness in helping students; and works in harmony with the school staff to promote the total middle school program and student achievement.

RESPONSIBILITIES/
DUTIES:

1. Responsible to the Principal working in conjunction with the Director of Student Support Services.

2. Implement a Comprehensive School Counseling Program which addresses the Counseling Standards and Student Priorities.

3. Work with teachers and parents to meet the needs of students through the development of academic, personal, social, and career awareness activities.

4. Counsel small groups and individual students.

5. Provide whole class and large group student development (guidance curriculum) activities and lessons.

6. Organize structured counseling activities for "at-risk" youth i.e. issues around social responsibility.

7. Consults with teachers, other staff, and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students.

8. Assists middle and high school transition.

9. Consults and coordinates as appropriate, with in-district professionals (i.e. School Psychologist).

10. Refers students with critical needs, in consultation with their parents, to appropriate community resources and follow up with students, as warranted.

11. Participates in counseling activities that contribute to the effectiveness and operation of the school.

12. Operates as an advocate with all students utilizing skills that respect issues of cultural and ethnic diversity and equity for every student and family.

13. Contributes to the on-going development, implementation, evaluation and revision of the School Counseling Program.

14. Assesses the school adjustment counselors' role in supporting the school improvement plan.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY:

a. Maintain confidentiality.

b. Maintain records consistent with ethical and legal guidelines.

c. Perform responsibilities in an organized, accurate, timely and dependable manner.

d. Operate within the federal and state laws and the established district and school

procedures and policies.

e. Provide support for other school and district programs and personnel.

f. Attend district professional development and meetings.

g Keep informed of current professional trends.

h. Utilizes computers effectively in the performance of assigned duties and

responsibilities.

i. Pursue professional growth.

j. Complete other duties as assigned by the Principal

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's Degree in Social Work or Counseling.

2. 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).

3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

4 .Knowledge of theoretical frameworks of intellectual, social, and emotional development.

5. Familiarity with philosophy, principles, and practices in social work or counseling.

6. Familiarity with mental health and emotional impairments including learning disorders affecting student achievement.

7. Familiarity with prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in students.

8. Experience with crisis management and intervention.

9. Knowledge of medical conditions and medication related to physical disabilities and learning disorders.

Nondiscrimination Statement

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, ancestry, age, disability or military service or marital status. The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in admission to, access or treatment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment. Springfield Public Schools is required by Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 not to discrimination on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment. The Senior Administrator of Human Resources, Kathleen O'Sullivan, Springfield Public Schools, 1550 Main St. Springfield MA, 01103, 413-787-7100, ext. 55428, has been designated as the employee responsible for coordinating Springfield Public Schools efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 to Springfield Public Schools may be referred to Kathleen O'Sullivan or to U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, DC 20202-1100, telephone 800-421-3481.



Primary Location: Harris Elementary
Salary Range: Based on collective bargaining unit salary schedule
Shift Type: FT - School Year

Job Contact Information:

Name: Kara Harris
Title: Principal
Phone: 413-787-7254
Email: harrisk@springfieldpublicschools.com