What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Adjustment Counselor position at Westford Public Schools?
School Adjustment CounselorGrades 3-5
- Provides individual and group counseling to students as needed
- Provides counselees with an orientation of available guidance services
- Communicates to counselees special programs within and outside of school that are best suited to their educational and emotional development
- Conducts both group and individual meetings to assist students in goal setting and decision-making
- Develops IEP-based curriculum for individual and group work with students
- Refers students and their families to outside resources, including but not limited to: family, group, and individual counseling as well as behavioral specialists, as needed
- Keeps accurate records regarding student interactions
- Communicates regularly with parents/guardians whose children are having social, emotional and academic problems in school
- Advocates for students, parents/guardians, and the school system
- Assists in crisis prevention and intervention
- Conducts student interviews, parent interviews, and observations in conjunction with Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA's)
- Contributes to the development and assessment of the curriculum
- Responsible for classroom guidance instruction including curriculum development and delivery
- Works with administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, and support staff to develop appropriate and effective educational plans for at-risk students as needed
- Assesses reports of child abuse and neglect with the Child Protective Team in house, and reports these situations to the Department of Social Services
- Participates in Special Education team meetings for students on caseload or those being referred for counseling
- Develops special programs and curriculum in conjunction with other staff to improve the social and emotional well=being of students
- Participates in evening meetings involving parents and community organizations
- Participates in workshops/seminars/programs and professional organizations to maintain current knowledge in the field of clinical work
- Meets with a clinical supervisor to review student cases
- Demonstrates a willingness to grow professionally and contribute to the educational process at the elementary school
- Other duties as assigned by the Coordinator of Guidance and the Building Principal