What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Adjustment Counselor - Chestnut Street Academy 2026-2027 position at Chestnut Street Academy?
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
Salary : $51,302 - $92,079