Middle School Counselor (Anticipated Openings 2026-2027)

About the role

Members of the Department of Student Support Services, School Counselors provide a comprehensive developmental guidance program for students in grades 6 – 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 6 – 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 middle 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.
• Consult with and serve 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Certification as a School Counselor by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
• Advanced degree training in guidance is preferred.
• 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.