School Counselor (Part-time)

School Counselor Nativity Preparatory School New Bedford is an independent, tuition-free middle school that provides a comprehensive education tailored to serve boys of all faiths in grades 5 – 8 from economically-disadvantaged families in the Greater New Bedford area. Our program graduates young men who are confident, self-disciplined, intellectually ambitious, and socially and academically prepared for high school; young men who are ready to serve others and be positive citizens in life. Schedule: 20 Hours per Week Location: School-Based Setting Hourly Pay Rate: Dependent on the experience and qualifications of the applicant Position Summary The School Counselor will provide consistent, high-quality behavioral health services and individual psychotherapy to students within a school setting and support to their families and faculty. Services will be provided using evidence-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and person-centered approaches. The School Counselor will work in collaboration with the school administration and will be responsible for managing their clinical responsibilities, including assessments, treatment planning, individual therapy, clinical documentation, and coordination of care with external service providers, families, and the School The School Counselor will collaborate with school personnel and other authorized providers to support the emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs of all students while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries. This will entail leading small groups, supporting teachers with training and strategies as well as attending faculty meetings as needed. Responsibilities Of Clinician Provide individual outpatient counseling and behavioral health services to students in a school-based setting.Lead group sessions as needed.Train and support faculty and staff on trauma informed practices and strategies to support individual students.Create a safe, welcoming, supportive, and trauma-informed environment for students.Conduct clinical and trauma-informed assessments to identify students’ strengths, needs, and treatment priorities.Develop and maintain individualized, person-centered treatment plans with measurable goals and objectives.Utilize evidence-based and developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions.Monitor student progress and modify treatment approaches and plans as clinically appropriate.Provide crisis assessment, risk assessment, safety planning, and crisis intervention when necessary.Coordinate with appropriate emergency, crisis, and community-based services when clinically indicated.Maintain communication and coordination including school personnel, administrators, medical providers, behavioral health providers, and other community supports.Participate in relevant school-based meetings and consultations when appropriate and needed.Make referrals and assist in connecting students with additional behavioral health, medical, or community resources as needed.Maintain timely, accurate, and complete clinical documentation in accordance with professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.Maintain appropriate records of services provided, scheduling, and clinical activities.Protect the confidentiality and privacy of student information in accordance with applicable laws and professional ethical standards, including HIPAA and FERPA, as applicable.Maintain all required professional supervision, licenses, certifications, liability insurance, and continuing education requirements.Work independently and collaboratively and exercise sound professional judgment within the scope of professional licensure and training.Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to all applicable ethical and legal standards. Qualifications Required Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or another qualifying behavioral health field.Appropriate professional licensure or license eligibility in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, consistent with the services being provided.Experience providing individual psychotherapy or behavioral health services to children and adolescents.Ability to work independently and manage a clinical caseload in a school-based environment.Experience conducting clinical assessments and developing individualized treatment plans.Knowledge of trauma-informed care and evidence-based therapeutic practices.Knowledge of crisis intervention, risk assessment, and safety planning.Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and documentation skills.Ability to collaborate effectively with school personnel and outside providers.Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.Current professional liability/malpractice insurance.Successful completion of all required background checks and school requirements. Preferred Experience providing behavioral health services in a school setting.Experience working with children and adolescents with diverse emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.Training or experience in evidence-based therapeutic approaches.Familiarity with community-based behavioral health resources. Expectations The School Counselor is responsible for maintaining all professional requirements necessary to provide clinical services, including applicable licensure, certifications, professional liability insurance, and required continuing education. The School Counselor will exercise independent professional judgment and maintain responsibility for services provided within their professional scope of practice. The specific schedule and availability of services will be coordinated with the school and will generally total 20 hours per week. Work Environment Services will primarily be provided in a designated confidential space within the school environment. The School Counselor will work independently while maintaining appropriate collaboration and communication with designated school personnel and authorized collateral contacts. Application Process To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to Christian Garris, Head of School, cgarris@nativitynb.org. Nativity Preparatory School New Bedford 66 Spring Street, New Bedford MA 02740 www.nativitynb.org Nativity Preparatory School New Bedford complies with all applicable civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristics in any of its educational programs, activities, or employment. Protected characteristics (or protected classes) include race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, alienage, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law.