What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Adjustment Counselor position at Brayton Elementary School?
The North Adams Public Schools is seeking a School Adjustment Counselor for the upcoming 2026/2027 school year at Brayton Elementary School. This position is subject to the North Adams Teachers Association contract. The salary currently ranges from $50, 479 to $91,778. (anticipated to increase once new contract is ratified beginning 2026/2027 school year)
Job Goal: To provide mental health services to the school. The SAC should be an advocate for the emotional and social needs of students. The SAC is available to any student in the school and should prioritize services to those students with the most imminent needs and least resources.
Supervision: Reports to the Principal and district Director of Student Support Services.
Education, Work Experience, and Licensure:
Required: Shall meet all current requirements for School Adjustment Counselor certification from the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Provide early identification, intervention, advocacy and referral of high risk students and their parents via individual, group or family counseling.
2. Provide crisis intervention to students in acute emotional distress, at risk of suicide, child abuse, etc.
3. Serve as a student advocate in areas directly affecting their adjustment.
4. Provide short-term intensive counseling to those individuals and families who need extra support and guidance in initiating and connecting with both in and out of school referral services.
5. Promote positive school climate and student mental health through leadership and participation with relevant programs, policies, faculty training, and curriculum development.
6. Coordinate the implementation of the district-approved SEL curriculum.
7. Protect student’s rights to privacy against disclosure of confidential information in accordance with state and school system policies.
8. Uphold professional standards of behavior and ethics of licensed mental health counselors and social workers.
9. Provide consultation to staff on identification and referral of students.
10. Serve as referral agent for students to other services within the school system.
11. Attend Individual Educational Plan meetings, as time permits, on students currently receiving SAC services and on students identified for referral to SAC.
12. Collaborate with families to help address the social, emotional, and academic needs of the student.
13. Act as liaison between the schools and community social services agencies to facilitate student referral, case collaboration, and collaboration of community and school based prevention programs.
14. Coordinate and advocate with agencies to provide direct services to students at school.
15. Collaborate with school leaders to facilitate the social and emotional transition of students between elementary and middle levels and between middle and high school levels.
16. Maintain records of activities and relevant statistics.
17. Prepare reports as needed.
18. Collaborate with colleagues to promote a positive school culture and climate.
19. Participate regularly in Student Support Team meetings and other school and district meetings involving the coordination and implementation of SEL supports for students.
20. Make presentations to parent groups and other community organizations.
21. Participate in training opportunities provided by the school system, community or state agencies, professional organizations, or institutions of higher learning.
22. Participate as a member of the school response team in reaction to tragedies or crises that impact the school community.
23. Perform any duties as assigned by the principal or director of student support services.
Physical Requirements: The position requires a moderate amount of walking, standing, sitting and climbing stairs and step stool whenever necessary. Activities also include moderate physical exertion in body movement such as reaching, bending, twisting, grasping, pushing, and pulling of objects. The position requires lifting objects of 20 pounds on a frequent basis, and over 20 pounds occasionally. There is a frequent requirement of fine manipulation associated with the required use of a computer, typewriter, keyboard, calculator, and other business machines.
Environmental Conditions: The occupant is required to work indoors. The regular chemical solvents are toners, inks, and cleaning fluids.
Salary : $50,479 - $91,778