School Adjustment Counselor (Part-time)

Amherst-Pelham Regional School District; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Amherst-Pelham Regional School District is seeking a part-time School Adjustment Counselor for Chestnut Street Academy, serving Grade 6 students. The role emphasizes collaboration with the special education team, families, and outside providers to address school-based IEP needs.

The candidate should have a Master’s in a mental health field and MA DESE School Adjustment Counselor certification, with strong case management and de-escalation skills for a diverse school community.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field.
• DESE School Adjustment Counselor certification.
• Experience with children with special educational needs.
• Bilingual and multicultural candidates encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide group and individual school-based counseling services including skills development.
• Case management for assigned caseload.
• Provide classroom-based supports, consultation and interventions to students.
• Collaborate with school personnel on social/emotional learning and mental health issues.
• Provide crisis intervention when needed.
• Develop behavior supports plans and interventions; collect and analyze data.
• May conduct assessments (FBA).
• Develop IEPs and write progress reports for students on caseload.
• Participate in IEP Team meetings to report progress.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and district-wide mental health meetings.

Skills

Case management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Multitasking

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other mental health provider field

DESE School Adjustment Counselor certification

Job description

The Amherst Public School District is seeking a highly qualified candidate for a part-time (60% FTE) School Adjustment Counselor position at Chestnut Street Academy, which serves students in Grade 6. Of the 60% FTE position, 20% FTE is contingent upon grant funding. The School Adjustment Counselor will work closely with the special education team, guidance counselor, administration, families and outside agencies/providers to address the school based needs of student IEPs.

Highly qualified candidates possess the following:

• A successful candidate will be enthusiastic, committed to education, and willingly collaborate to meet diverse student needs.
• Strong positive, effective written and oral communication skills
• Ability to build effective, collaborative relationships with students, paraeducators, teachers, service providers, program coordinator, administration, families, educational team leaders, outside agencies, and to work as part of a professional learning community and multi-disciplinary team
• Strong case management and home-school communication skills
• Highly effective executive function skills including being well organized, strong time management skills, and able to work independently to meet timelines. Ability to multitask, show flexibility, and work within a fast paced environment
• Experience with trauma, anxiety and other mental health needs
• Experience with completing all aspects of the IEP process including implementation, monitoring, and development
• Experience with a diverse population of students within a multicultural school community
• Experience with and commitment to inclusion that benefits students socially, emotionally and academically
• Strong skills in de-escalation. Trained, or willing to be trained in, a MA approved physical restraint procedure
• Ability to support students across settings

The school adjustment counselor will have the following roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide group and individual school based counseling services including skills development
• Case management services for assigned caseload
• Provide classroom based supports, consultation and interventions to students
• Collaborate and consult with school personnel on topics related to social/emotional learning and mental health issues
• Provide crisis intervention when needed
• Develop behavior supports plans and interventions; collect and analyze data to inform progress and intervention adjustments
• May conduct assessments (FBA)
• Develop IEPs and write progress reports for students on caseload
• Participate in IEP Team meetings to report on progress for students on the caseload
• Attend scheduled staff meetings
• Attend district-wide mental health team meetings and trainings
• Conduct self-harm and threat assessment screenings as indicated

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other mental health provider field preferred
• DESE School Adjustment Counselor certification
• Background working with children with special educational needs including but not limited to social, emotional and behavioral needs
• Bilingual and multicultural candidates are encouraged to apply