School Counselor

Position Type: Full-Time, Tenure-Track School Level: Elementary (K-5)

Start Date: September 2026 Salary: Per MTA Contract Reports To: Building Principal and Director of Pupil Personnel Services

About Mechanicville City School District

Mechanicville City School District is a small, close-knit public school district located along the Hudson River in Saratoga County, New York. Serving students in Pre-K through Grade 12, MCSD is committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and preparing every student for a successful future. Our dedicated staff work collaboratively to foster a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment where all students can thrive.

Position Summary

Mechanicville City School District invites applications from compassionate, skilled professionals for the position of Elementary School Counselor. Under the supervision of the Building Principal and Director of Pupil Personnel Services, the School Counselor will implement a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. The successful candidate will support the academic, social-emotional, and college and career readiness development of all students in grades PreK-5, serving as a key advocate and resource within the school community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model and New York State Education Department guidelines.

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to students on academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and personal concerns in a confidential and supportive setting.

• Deliver classroom guidance lessons addressing age-appropriate topics such as self-regulation, conflict resolution, growth mindset, anti-bullying, and responsible decision-making.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for crisis intervention, following district protocols to assess student safety and coordinate appropriate support services.

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, special education staff, school psychologists, and community mental health providers to address the holistic needs of students.

• Participate actively in the Committee on Special Education (CSE) and Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) processes, including IEP development and implementation.

• Support the identification and referral of students in need of additional services, including but not limited to mental health, substance abuse, and family support resources.

• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, concerns, and available community resources, maintaining a welcoming and nonjudgmental approach.

• Maintain accurate, confidential student records and documentation in compliance with FERPA, New York State Education Law, and district policies.

• Analyze student data including attendance, academic performance, and behavioral trends to inform counseling program priorities and interventions.

• Assist with the coordination of student transitions (e.g., kindergarten entry, grade-level transitions, school transfers) and support students adjusting to new environments.

• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school-wide committees as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid New York State School Counselor certification issued by the New York State Education Department.

• Master's degree in School Counseling or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

• Knowledge of the ASCA National Model and best practices in comprehensive school counseling program development.

• Understanding of child development, social-emotional learning frameworks, and trauma-informed care principles. • Demonstrated ability to conduct individual and group counseling sessions with elementary-age students.

• Knowledge of crisis intervention protocols and mandatory reporting requirements under New York State law.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, and school staff.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with legal and ethical standards governing school counseling practice.

• Proficiency with student information systems and data analysis tools used to monitor and report on student outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a school counselor or counseling intern in a public elementary school setting.

• Familiarity with Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

• Experience with evidence-based social-emotional learning curricula

• Training or certification in trauma-informed practices, grief counseling, or crisis response

• Experience collaborating in Committee on Special Education (CSE) processes.