26-27 Bilingual School Adjustment Counselor

Position Summary

To provide mental health services, adjustment support, and coordination of services for Somerville High School students.

Through the application of knowledge of best practices in counseling and by implementing

antiracist counseling practices, counselors/social workers will serve as advocates who support students throughout high school. They will help students prepare for their post-secondary plans, help students maximize their academic achievement and mental health wellness while acknowledging every student’s unique intersectional identity. In partnership with other educators, parents/guardians, and the community, counselors/social workers will strive to ensure that all students at Somerville High develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary to be successful in our changing society.

Somerville 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.

We welcome and value different perspectives and experiences in our staff, recognizing the powerful impact that a diverse workforce has on all students. We are committed to supporting educators through a strong induction and mentorship program, educator-driven professional development, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement. As a district, we are also committed to supporting the whole child by promoting a trusting, mutually respectful and inspiring culture that values the individuality of our students and the professionalism of the field.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position

• As needed, may coordinate overall mental health services for students on assigned caseload.
• As needed, may implement 1:1 individual and group counseling services for referred students
• As needed, provide direct service to assigned caseload of students, utilizing the following delivery methods (as appropriate): Large group meetings, Small group counseling and meetings, Individual counseling, Consultation meetings, Group counseling, Crisis response and intervention
• As needed, serve as the liaison between student, home, school, and community resources, like family service agencies, courts, protective services, and doctor.
• As needed, consult with parents, teachers and other school personnel, especially our school counselors, to assist in the coordination of school based and outside provider services
• As needed, serve as a member of the 504 Team for assigned students
• Attends all School Counseling Department meetings
• Provides student data and written reports as needed
• Follows all Crisis Protocols as developed by Somerville High School
• Maintains an understanding of the services provided by the School Counseling Department and Somerville High School and effectively communicates those services to constituencies.
• Participates in professional development necessary to remain current with counseling/social worker practices.
• Performs other program related duties as assigned as per the Somerville Educators Association, Unit A Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Other duties as assigned as per the Somerville Educators Union, Unit A Collective Bargaining Agreement
  
  

Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Bilingual/bicultural required
• Experience working with youth of immigrant and refugee backgrounds
• Teaching and/or counseling experience in a secondary education setting preferred
• Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling/Counseling Psychology (LMHC/license eligible preferred) or Master’s degree in Social Work (LCSW/LICSW/license eligible preferred)
• DESE Massachusetts Adjustment Counselor (Grades 5-12) licensure required
• Familiarity with LGBTQIA community
  
  

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
• Lifting/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods.
  
  

Reporting Relationships

• Position Reports to: The School Principal and Department Chair for School Counseling
  
  

Terms of Employment

• Position Type: Full Time
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Union Status: SEU, Unit A
• Salary and benefits are determined in accordance with the Somerville Educators Union, Unit A collective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee
  
  

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.