Middle School Guidance Counselor (grades 6-8)

Job Description Middle School Guidance Counselor (grades 6-8) Qualifications: 1. Candidate must hold a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) license in School Guidance or School Adjustment or School Counseling 2. Knowledge of the organizational structure and elements of a successful school counseling program, in alignment with the MASCA Model 3. Understanding of leadership theories and principles, developmental theory, social justice theory, learning theories, multiculturalism and career counseling theories 4. Knowledge of the full continuum of mental health care services, such as prevention and intervention 5. Thorough understanding of barriers to student learning and the use of counseling strategies to eliminate those barriers 6. Knowledge of individual counseling, group counseling and classroom instruction that promote academic achievement 7. Understanding of the legal, professional and ethical issues that affect Massachusetts schools Responsibilities: 1. Work to remove barriers to student success 2. Increase equity in access to school counseling services and interventions leading to increased enrollment and completion of rigorous coursework 3. Complete Social Assessments for the purposes of Team Evaluations and participate in I.E.P. Team Meetings. 4. Support and training for teachers in school counseling principles and strategies to address learning and behavioral problems in the classroom 5. Provide programs and services that develop essential attitudes, knowledge and skills for student success and post-secondary transition 6. Organize program coordination with staff, parents/caregivers and community resources 7. Data analysis of school counseling variables and outcomes for school improvement planning 8. Plan, organize and deliver the school counseling curriculum to address the developmental needs of students while supporting the school mission 9. Support learning and close the student achievement gap 10. Foster a safe and supportive school climate by demonstrating and promoting positive interpersonal relationships with students, staff, parents/guardians, and community partners 11. Implement individual planning interventions in collaboration with partners (e.g., teachers, parents, mentors) to: develop students’ planning and decision making skills 12. Develop educational plans for students, individually and in groups to promote accurate and appropriate interpretation of assessment data and relevant information 13. Provide responsive services in consultation with administrators, teachers and student support services and through referrals to external organizations/agencies to: address students’ identified needs and concerns individually and/or in small-group counseling 14. Involve parents/guardians, teachers, administrators and support services staff as needed 15. Utilize school and community agencies and organizations for providing long-term responsive and support services 16. Monitor student progress on a regular basis to: ensure equity in access and delivery modify or develop curriculum and interventions as needed 17. Track students’ progress with their education 18. Manage and use time effectively in order to: ensure adherence to a master calendar for program implementation 19. Distribute and post a calendar of events and services for timely access by students, parent/guardians, administrators and teachers 20. Collect and analyze school counseling data to: establish goals and activities that work to close the student achievement gap 21. Ensure that students are taking appropriate yet rigorous courses 22. Facilitate and coordinate crisis intervention and mental health referrals, including making appropriate community and emergency referrals, and fulfill mandated reporter responsibilities by completing and submitting 51A reports in accordance with state laws and district policies. 23. Performs other duties that may be assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee. The posted range reflects educators with beginner to mid-level experience, and is aligned with the Unit A Contract. For the complete salary schedule, please refer to the Quincy Public Schools website, Careers page. Quincy Public Schools strives to create an inclusive and racially affirming environment that welcomes and values the diversity of our staff and students. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Join the team and be part of a dynamic multicultural community. Thank you for your interest in joining our professional team. Quincy Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, or disability in its educational activities or employment practice as required by Title IX of the 1972 Federal Education Amendments, by Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and by Chapter 622 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Salary : $62,804 - $77,414