SCHOOL COUNSELOR - MSKAs School Counselor, you will deliver measurable results in helping students overcome challenges that impede their learning and assist them in making academic, career, and social-emotional gains.Reports to: School PrincipalThe School Counselor has the following responsibilities:Supporting student academic, social and emotional well-being through individual, group, and classroom activitiesDesigning and delivering School Counseling programming that improves student outcomesCollaborating with families, teachers, administrators, and the community for student successPlanning and facilitating school-wide initiatives such as our Social/Emotional Advisory Curriculum and Step-Up Day/Transition ActivitiesTaking a leadership role and advocating for student needs at planning and support meetingsHighlighting the strengths of our learners by developing and supporting student recognition and enrichment initiativesAssessing student risk factors and making referrals to outside agencies when necessaryUsing data informed practices to support student growthMaintaining confidentiality of student cumulative records within the School Counseling DepartmentPerforming other tasks as assigned to promote a positive school climateQualifications: Proven record of effectively meeting students’ needs in the areas of academic, social emotional, and career interests. An ability to connect with students, teachers/staff and families to best support students being able to overcome and endure challenges in order to achieve academically. Master’s Degree in School Counseling. Must possess a Maine certification in School Counseling. Previous experience working with middle school students and staff is preferred. Strong communications skills and adherence to appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.Responsibilities:Student CenteredMeets with students individually and in small groups for supportAssists students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent informationRegisters new students and orients them to school procedures and the school’s varied opportunities for learningProvides Tier 1, 2 and 3 interventions to help students be successfulCommunicationActively participates in grade level team meetings to address student needsFacilitates the delivery of advisory lessons that enhance the knowledge of self and othersCollaborates with families, teachers, and outside providers to best support student successActs as an active member of MTSS A/B teams to assist in the implementation of servicesParticipates in 504 meetings and serves as a school resource for students and familiesLeadership Remains readily available to students and provides counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturityAssists in the planning of field trips to schools and collegesGuides students in their participation in school and community activitiesProvides school students and families with necessary resources to have needs met (clothing, food, shelter, safety, etc.)Leads, advocates and collaborates to promote equity and access for all students by connecting the School Counseling program to the RSU 21 mission and Middle School of the Kennebunks improvement goalsFulfills other tasks assigned by the principal to promote a positive school climateCompetencies Coaching orientation: you create impactful individual and district-wide learning experiences District representative: you promote our strategies coherently and persuasively; you present our value convincingly and creatively and can defend it when questioned; you balance an aggressive approach with respectful boundaries Content mastery: you internalize fully even the most complex content; you can explain the issues confidently and answer questions accurately, comprehensively and instructively Relationship-oriented: you recognize the deep importance that relationships with colleagues and stakeholders play in our work; you build rapport and trust with others; you’re comfortable with and adept at navigating a diversity of personalities and work styles Role model: your performance inspires others; you embody the desired work ethic and/or approach that is required to achieve our district mission; others learn from the high standards you hold for yourself Active listener: you’re a strong, active listener; you can read body language and between the lines to pick up both on what’s being said and what’s not being said; you can identify the nuance of what’s being suggested, however obliquely, and articulate it strategically for othersReasonable Accommodations: RSU 21 will provide accommodations to an individual with a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or applicable law, who has made the district aware of their disability, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship to the district. Terms of Employment: Salary to be established by the Board. Work year includes school contract year plus up to 10 additional days to be scheduled by the Principal and School Counseling Department.Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.This position will remain open until a qualified candidate is secured.