High School Counselor

About the role

Members of the Department of Student Support Services, School Counselors provide a comprehensive developmental guidance program for students in grades 8 – 12. They meet academic, personal, social, and career development needs through proactive, preventative guidance and collaboration with other student support services personnel.

Responsibilities

• Implement a Comprehensive School Counseling Program addressing Counseling Standards and Student Priorities for grades 8 – 12.
• Conduct student development (guidance curriculum) lessons in the classroom and in large groups.
• Select topics and resources consistent with school identified objectives.
• Conduct orientation activities for students new to the school.
• Provide elementary to middle school and middle to high school transitional activities.
• Assist students with developing educational and career goals.
• Provide school-to-work guidance activities using resources such as Choices Explorer, Career Information System, and the Graduate Profile Planner/Planning Guide for the high school.
• Provide guidance for high school of choice planning and application process.
• Interpret standardized test results.
• Counsel whole class, small groups and individual students.
• Use the MA Curriculum Frameworks and relevant student achievement data in advising students.
• Counselor consultation with and serving as a resource for teachers, staff, and parents regarding the developmental needs of students.
• Conduct and facilitate conferences with teachers, students, and parents.
• Model appropriate behavior with student, parent, and colleague interactions.
• Maintain records to document interactions, interventions, and decisions.
• Refer students and their parents to community agencies, programs, or specialists as appropriate.
• Maintain a comprehensive list of district and community resources.
• Consult and coordinate with in-district and community agencies.
• Consult with school staff members for appropriate student placement, e.g., regular education, English Language Learners, special programs.
• Operate as an advocate with all students utilizing skills that respect issues of cultural and ethnic diversity and equity for every student and family.
• Participate in the evaluation and revision of the school counselor program.
• Annually review the guidance program.
• Plan the guidance program calendar.
• Participate in developing a budget to support the guidance program.
• Achieve a comprehensive understanding of the MA Curriculum Frameworks.
• Achieve a comprehensive understanding of the American School Counselor Association Framework for School Counseling Programs.
• Assess counselors’ role in supporting the school improvement plan.
• Fulfill professional responsibilities.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain records consistent with ethical and legal guidelines.
• Perform responsibilities in an organized, accurate, timely and dependable manner.
• Assist students with course selections, which are the most challenging for their high school and career plans.
• Operate within the federal and state laws and the established district and school procedures and policies.
• Provide support for other school and district programs and personnel.
• Attend district professional development and meetings.
• Keep informed of current professional trends.
• Utilize computers effectively in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Pursue professional growth.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Certification as a School Counselor by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
• Preference will be given to those with advanced degree training in guidance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of theories of intellectual, social, and emotional development.
• Familiarity with philosophy, principles, and practices in school guidance counseling.
• Familiarity with mental health and emotional impairments including learning disorders affecting student achievement.
• Familiarity with prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in students.
• Experience in crisis management and intervention.
• Experience with a comprehensive school counseling program.
• Familiarity with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
• Familiarity with the American School Counselor Association Framework for School Counseling Programs.
• Ten hours at least beyond the bachelor’s degree in counseling or an allied subject such as the psychology of tests and measurements.
• Successful teaching experience in the secondary schools is preferred.
• Previous employment experience in a counseling position in a school, community agency or social service organization may be considered in lieu of successful teaching experience in the secondary schools with the approval of the Superintendent of Schools.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Certification as a School Counselor by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
• Preference will be given to those with advanced degree training in guidance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of theories of intellectual, social, and emotional development.
• Familiarity with philosophy, principles, and practices in school guidance counseling.
• Familiarity with mental health and emotional impairments including learning disorders affecting student achievement.
• Familiarity with prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in students.
• Experience in crisis management and intervention.
• Experience with a comprehensive school counseling program.
• Familiarity with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
• Familiarity with the American School Counselor Association Framework for School Counseling Programs.
• Ten hours at least beyond the bachelor’s degree in counseling or an allied subject such as the psychology of tests and measurements.
• Successful teaching experience in the secondary schools is preferred.
• Previous employment experience in a counseling position in a school, community agency or social service organization may be considered in lieu of successful teaching experience in the secondary schools with the approval of the Superintendent of Schools.

Skills

• Ability to operate within the federal and state laws and the established district and school procedures and policies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to utilize computers effectively in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to pursue professional growth.
• Ability to complete other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Not specified.

Schedule

Not specified.

About the District

The Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that enhances students' knowledge and critical thinking skills. It is the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts with over 24,000 students and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. The district fosters a positive and professional environment where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen, and heard. It is committed to equity and excellence, empowering educators and fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

Contact Information

If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Sex Nondiscrimination Policy

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.