Bilingual School Counselor

Position Summary: The purpose of this position is to have an individual who can provide counseling services for students, specifically, our Spanish-speaking population of students. The Bilingual School Counselor meets with students to assist them with academic, social/personal, and post-secondary planning needs with the aim of helping each student develop their potential to the fullest.

Description of Duties:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Management of the Learning Environment

• Utilizes effective and varied counseling techniques and procedures.
• Support the development of program and activities that promote student engagement and a therapeutic environment
• Performs scheduled duties promptly.
• Fulfills paperwork responsibilities promptly.

Teacher/Pupil/Parent Interaction

• Assumes responsibility for providing a safe, supportive counseling environment for every student.
• Relates well to students of varied proficiency.
• Supports students to acquire knowledge of and the ability to apply SEL CASEL Core Competencies
• Provides effective student structure in the total school setting.
• Accepts responsibility for the well-being of each assigned student.
• Remains approachable to students and parents, as needed.
• Contributes to a positive and effective working relationship between school and home.

Professional and Personal Qualities

• Adheres to the academic, ethical and social standards of the profession.
• Speaks and writes clearly, understandably and appropriately.
• Dresses appropriately and is well-groomed.
• Accepts constructive criticism.
• Applies suggestions for improvement.
• Uses confidential information for professional purposes only.
• Is equitable and sensitive and responsive to all learners.
• Realizes that good attendance is necessary for effective learning.
• Participates in ongoing professional development, including all district sponsored initiatives.

Teacher/Staff Relations

• Shows evidence of helping to promote positive working relationships with school personnel.
• Demonstrates willingness to share and exchange ideas, skills, techniques and materials.
• Collaborate with staff members on developing interventions for students in need.
• Works effectively with administrative personnel.
• Accepts and implements school and district decisions.
• Fulfills assigned duties and out-of-class responsibilities.
• Complies with school department procedures and school committee policies.

Supervision:

Supervision Scope:

Supervises students and evaluates their progress.

Supervision Given and Received:

Supervised by Principal and/or Assistant Director of School Counseling

Qualifications:

Qualified applicants must forward cover letter, resume, transcripts, proof of Massachusetts DESE license and SEI Endorsement as well as three current letters of recommendation.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Master's degree in counseling, guidance, social work, psychology or related field.
• Appropriate Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure-School Social Worker/ School Adjustment Counselor- All Levels.
• At least three years of experience working with adolescents in a counseling capacity.

Knowledge Required:

• Strong understanding of counseling techniques, intervention skills and theory.
• Effective organization of caseload assignments.
• Effective diagnostic skills.
• Understanding of special education regulations and laws
• Effective instruction in a standards-based classroom.
• Promotion of equity and appreciation of diversity.
• Effective use of technology.
• Fulfillment of professional responsibilities.

Abilities Required:

• Ability to deliver effective counseling to individuals and small groups.
• Ability to differentiate counseling to meet student needs.
• Ability to administer required student assessments and biopsychosocial assessments.
• Ability to handle multiple varying and complex issues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with numerous stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
• Effective caseload management skills.
• Excellent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills.

Skills Required:

• Effective testing management skills.
• Excellent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Skills in the specific tasks entailed in evaluating students and developing goals and objectives to meet their needs.

Salary: As per the WEA contract.

Non- Discrimination Notice: Waltham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Waltham Public Schools has partnered with the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education (MPDE) in our effort to welcome diverse candidates to our school system. We value and prioritize the hiring of educators who bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to our schools, and who reflect the diversity of the students we serve.

MPDE is a collaborative of public school districts with a 40-year uninterrupted history committed to supporting the interest of its members to increase the numbers of teachers of color for their schools by providing recruitment support and related services.