Elementary School Counselor

Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Public Schools is seeking a School Counselor to implement a comprehensive guidance program for grades K-6. You will work with the Principal and Director of Student Support Services to deliver classroom and small-group counseling, support student goal setting, and coordinate with teachers, parents, and community resources.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree and MA School Counselor certification, with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to equity in education.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and MA School Counselor certification required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities are essential.
• Experience with comprehensive school counseling programs preferred.
• Familiarity with MA Curriculum Frameworks and ASCA framework beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a developmental guidance program for grades K-6.
• Coordinate with Principal and Director of Student Support Services.
• Conduct classroom and large-group guidance lessons.
• Assist students with educational and career goals.
• Provide transitional activities and school-to-work guidance.
• Maintain records and confidentiality; refer to community resources as needed.
• Collaborate with staff, parents, and local agencies to support students.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Crisis management

Collaboration

Cultural equity

Guidance program experience

Education

Master’s degree

State School Counselor Certification (MA)

Advanced degree training in guidance

Additional counseling-related coursework

Tools

Choices Explorer

Career Information System

Graduate Profile Planner/Planning Guide

Job description

As members of the Department of Student Support Services, School Counselors provide a comprehensive developmental guidance program, which meets the academic, personal, social, and career development of their assigned students in grades K-6. School Counselors provide and support the delivery of specific skills and information in a proactive, preventative manner to ensure that all students have the opportunity to achieve school success. School Counselors collaborate with other student support services personnel and other school staff in the delivery of services.

Responsibilities

• Responsible to the Principal working in conjunction with the Director of Student Support Services.
• Implement a Comprehensive School Counseling Program which addresses the Counseling Standards and Student Priorities for grades K-6.
• Conduct student development (guidance curriculum) lessons in the classroom and in large groups.
• Facilitate the integration of the student development (guidance) curriculum into the educational curricula.
• Select topics and resources consistent with school identified objectives.
• Conduct orientation activities for students new to the school.
• Provide elementary to middle school and middle to high school transitional activities.
• Assist student with developing educational and career goals.
• Provide school-to-work guidance activities using resources, g., Choices Explorer, Career Information System, and the Graduate Profile Planner/Planning Guide for the middle school.
• Provide guidance for middle school of choice planning and application process.
• Interpret standardized test results.
• Conduct structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions in response to identified needs relative to achievement and school success of individuals and groups of students.
• Counsel whole class, small groups and individual students.
• Use the MA Curriculum Frameworks and relevant student achievement data in advising students.
• Consult with and serve as a resource for teachers, staff, and parents regarding the developmental needs of students.
• Conduct and facilitate conferences with teachers, students, and parents.
• Model appropriate behavior with student, parent, and colleague interactions.
• Maintain records to document interactions, interventions, and decisions.
• Refer students and their parents to community agencies, programs, or specialists as appropriate.
• Maintain a comprehensive list of district and community resources.
• Consult and coordinate with in-district and community agencies.
• Consult with school staff members for appropriate student placement, e.g., regular education, English Language Learners, special programs.
• Operate as an advocate with all students utilizing skills that respect issues of cultural and ethnic diversity and equity for every student and family.
• Participate in the evaluation and revision of the school counselor program.
• Annually review the guidance program.
• Plan the guidance program calendar.
• Participate in developing a budget to support the counselor program.
• Assess counselors’ role in supporting the school improvement plan.
• Fulfill professional responsibilities.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain records consistent with ethical and legal guidelines.
• Perform responsibilities in an organized, accurate, timely and dependable manner.
• Assist students with course selections, which are the most challenging for their high school and career plans.
• 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.
• Utilize 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 from an accredited college or university.
• Certification as a School Counselor by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
• Preference will be given to those with advanced degree training in guidance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of theories of intellectual, social, and emotional development.
• Familiarity with philosophy, principles, and practices in school guidance 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 in crisis management and intervention.
• Experience with a comprehensive school counseling program.
• Familiarity with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
• Familiarity with the American School Counselor Association Framework for School Counseling Programs.
• Ten hours at least beyond the bachelor’s degree in counseling or an allied subject such as the psychology of tests and measurements.
• Successful teaching experience in the secondary schools is preferred.
• Previous employment experience in a counseling position in a school, community agency or social service organization may be considered in lieu of successful teaching experience in the secondary schools with the approval of the Superintendent of Schools.

"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 at molina‑[e-mail].

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 Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, [e-mail].

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT 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, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

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.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, [e-mail], the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.