SY26-27 SEZP Adjustment Counselor (Clinician)

About the role

Educators in the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership are responsible for ensuring students have access to strong instruction, experience a deep sense of belonging in school, and are prepared for meaningful academic and life opportunities. SEZP educators serve as instructors, mentors, and collaborators.

Core Responsibilities

• Access to High-Quality Learning
  • Deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction using research-based curriculum and effective instructional strategies
  • Ensure all students can access grade-level content through thoughtful lesson design, scaffolding, and embedded supports
  • Use student data and formative assessment to adjust instruction and promote academic growth
• Belonging and School Community
  • Build strong, trusting relationships with students grounded in consistency, respect, and high expectations
  • Contribute positively to a school culture where students feel known, supported, and accountable
  • Collaborate closely with colleagues, including participation in co-teaching teams and professional learning communities
  • Engage families as partners through regular communication and shared problem-solving
• Opportunity and Growth
  • Support students in developing the skills, habits, and confidence needed for success in high school and beyond
  • Participate actively in professional learning, coaching, and feedback cycles
  • Contribute to the development of future educators by modeling strong practice, hosting residents or student teachers when applicable, and supporting a culture of adult learning

Additional Responsibilities

• Uphold school-wide expectations related to curriculum, assessment, and professional conduct
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal

Clinical Responsibilities

• Implement the middle and high school SEL curriculums
• Understand continuum of mental health services, referring students and family to an appropriate level of care in coordination with their supervisor
• Counsel individuals and small groups of students toward academic, social, and emotional growth
• Consult with and train teachers, parents and staff regarding student’s needs
• Work with other Counselors and staff to refer students who have barriers to learning and their parents to special programs, specialists and outside agencies
• Optimize the collaboration and coordination of the interdisciplinary team to enhance the environment of student care
• Participate in and facilitate the problem solving process (STAT)
• Participate in the planning and evaluation of the counseling program
• Maintain current professional license and adhere to ethical standards in accordance with SEZP
• Consistently attend work on scheduled day and time, in professional attire and with a professional demeanor

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality
• Maintain records consistent with ethical and legal guidelines
• Perform responsibilities in an organized, accurate, timely and dependable manner
• Operate within the federal and state laws and the established SEZP, district, and school procedures and policies
• Provide support for other school and district programs and personnel
• Attend SEZP 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 supervisor

Experience and Education

• Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education license in the appropriate subject and grade level (School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor) required
• Candidates not yet licensed may be eligible for a licensure waiver and are encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated ability to support a range of learners through strong instruction and relationship-building
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required

Benefits

Selection as an educator in SEZP recognizes an individual for their outstanding vision, capacity, and commitment to students. Educators in SEZP are eligible for the same competitive benefits available to Educators in the Springfield Public Schools. Educators joining SEZP may also be eligible for the following recruitment incentives, which may be offered individually:

• Signing bonus in addition to base salary
• Relocation award for candidates from regions beyond western Massachusetts