School Adjustment Counselor

School Adjustment Counselor Under the general supervision of the Director of School Counseling, Director of Pupil Services, Special Education Coordinator or School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment. Responsibilities: Collaborate with school-based teams to develop therapeutic intervention plans and/or behavior intervention plans that address student’s needs. • Serves as an expert regarding therapeutic adaptations, social-emotional curriculum and assessment and provide as needed professional development for school-based staff. • Provide consultation to staff and/or direct counseling to students as a member of the school-based RTI program. • Assist parents, staff and others in understanding the RTI, special education, and 504 processes and services. • Provide diagnostic assessments/evaluations for students, including Functional Behavioral Assessment and/or Risk Assessment with students who potentially pose a safety risk to self and/or others. • Participate as an IEP Team member for developing appropriate service plans for children. • Provide direct counseling intervention services to students according to the requirements of IEPs, 504 Accommodation Plans, or as needed. • Provide follow up to parents, school staff and other service providers on matters related to students. • Implement policies, procedures, plans and directives promulgated by the Medford School Committee and required by state and federal laws and regulations. • Complete all documentation and reporting requirements to maintain compliance with district, state and federal regulations. • Actively engage in professional development (i.e. courses, workshops, and in-service training) in order to be current in new methods and approaches in counseling services as well as to expand knowledge of the social-emotional curriculum for students receiving services. • Assist with facilitation of parent observations of special education programs. • Meet regularly with the Therapeutic Team regarding issues and concerns around student and school-based needs. • Coordination with state agencies (DCF, DMR, DMH, CSA (Elliot Group)). A Massachusetts Health Professional license: LICSW, LCSW, LMHC is preferred. The qualified candidate must be licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor – Grades: All levels - Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Director of School Counseling, Director of Pupil Services, Special Education Coordinator, Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. Skills, Knowledge, Abilities - Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs. - Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans. - Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students. - Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed. - Ability to organize and coordinate work. - Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents. - Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. - Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Salary : $47,700 - $60,400