School Counselor (Sixth Grade)

School Counselor (Sixth Grade FTE 0.5) Position Type: Full Time 0.5 Location: Franklin Middle School Reports to: Building Principal Salary: As per FEA Teacher Contract This position qualifies for town benefits, including Health Insurance General Description The 0.5 FTE Sixth Grade School Counselor supports the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs of sixth-grade students. The primary focus of this position will be coordinating Section 504 services, connecting families with outside resources, and providing brief, responsive counseling support. The counselor will also perform other counseling responsibilities as needed. Overview of Responsibilities

Section 504 Coordination: Serve as the sixth-grade Section 504 Coordinator. Responsibilities include distributing plans to teachers, communicating with families and teams, scheduling and facilitating annual meetings, writing updated plans, and ensuring that all documentation is signed, processed, filed, and submitted within required timelines. The counselor will also guide families and teams through the referral and eligibility process, coordinate evaluations and supporting data, and explain available DCAP supports when a student does not qualify for a Section 504 plan.

Family and Community Support: Assist sixth-grade counselors and families in identifying and coordinating appropriate outside counseling services, community agencies, and specialized programs. Maintain updated lists of local providers and help families navigate available resources.

Student Counseling: Serve as a drop-in counselor for students who need an immediate check-in, brief intervention, problem-solving support, or assistance regulating emotions. Refer students for additional school-based or outside support when appropriate. Additional Responsibilities The counselor will collaborate with grade-level counselors, teachers, administrators, families, and student-support staff; participate in relevant team and student-support meetings; maintain confidential and accurate records; and provide additional individual, small-group, crisis, transition, or family support as student and school needs arise. The responsibilities of this position may evolve based on student needs and the continued development of the school counseling program . Qualifications Required:

Massachusetts Department of Education Licensure as a School Guidance Counselor required

Understanding of MA General Law and implementation in school-based practice

Strong oral and written communication skills

Must successfully pass Criminal Offender (CORI) background check and national fingerprinting screening (CHRI). We understand that our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the FPS community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. We are committed to reflecting that diversity in our staff. We strive to have the most diverse applicant pool possible; to that end, we encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for any position at Franklin Public Schools. Franklin Public Schools is committed to maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment in accordance with state and federal law, including based on age, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, pregnancy-related status, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual harassment, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information and/or disability.