SCHOOL COUNSELOR

PVPA has an opportunity for a School Counselor for the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year beginning immediately. We are looking for a reflective practitioner who collaborates effectively with colleagues and understands the varied needs of students in grades 7-12. The ideal candidate will be interested in integrating the arts into the curriculum, teaching with a social justice lens, collaborating with students and colleagues, and has experience in implementing restorative practices in the classroom.  The School Counselor’s role is that of student advocate and support to help students achieve academic, personal/social and career success.  Under the direction of the Director of Student Services, you will be responsible for:

1. Participate in the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program that follows the Massachusetts Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs and is rooted in the ASCA model framework
2. Use a culturally-responsive approach to  working with students, promote understanding and appreciation of diverse populations and cultures, and provide equitable opportunities for all students
3. Gather and analyze data regularly, and use data to ensure equity of programming, make decisions about program offerings, and monitor efficacy of program activities and interventions
4. Develop, document, and deliver school counseling curriculum based on identified school-wide priorities and promoting the academic success, career-readiness, and personal, social, and emotional development of all students
5. Assist students in developing and meeting academic, career, and social-emotional goals by providing goal-oriented counseling to individuals and small groups 
6. Support students and their families in learning about post-secondary vocational and educational pathways
7. Provide critical and timely information to students and parents/guardians regarding PVPA enrichment opportunities, special school and summer programs, and post-secondary scholarships and career planning workshops
8. Educate students and their parents/guardians about the PVPA course selection process to ensure that all students are enrolled in an appropriately challenging course of study
9. Review and update student records to ensure that students are tracking towards promotion and graduation
10. Actively participate as a member of the middle school team to promote student academic success and social-emotional well-being.
11. Actively participate as a member of the school-wide Student Support Team to provide appropriate preventative and responsive services to students. 
12. Make appropriate referrals to outside agencies and specialists, and communicate and collaborate with outside providers as needed 
13. Welcome and encourage family participation in the school community, including integration of new students and families into the school culture
14. Actively communicate with parents/guardians about student behavior, attendance, and habits of work and learning with regard to school achievement
15. Consult and collaborate with teachers and administrators to understand and meet the needs of students and their parents/guardians in the school setting
16. Collaborate with students, teachers and Academic Support staff to identify, implement, and track interventions for students who are not making effective academic progress
17. Ensure parents/guardians understand the Special Education pre-referral process
18. Provide relevant and up-to-date academic information for all Special Education Team Meetings and assist in the development and implementation of Section 504 Accommodations Plans
19. Maintain accurate records for each student, including a log of all counseling activities that track attendance, dates, and times of individual and group counseling meetings
20. Participate in scheduled meetings and school-wide teams as appropriate
21. Support standardized testing administration as needed
22. Follow the American School Counselor Association’s “Ethical Standards for School Counselors”
23. Actively pursue formal and informal professional development opportunities to build capacity to meet and exceed PVPA Educator Competencies for School Counselors.

Qualifications;

The successful candidate will minimally hold a BA degree in school counseling, meet MA DESE School Guidance Counselor grades 5-12 licensure requirements, be able to pass a background check (CORI/SORI & Fingerprinting), and be computer literate.  

Other Information/Instructions:

Salary Range: Pro-rated for date of hire based on $42,420 to $67,372annually.  Additional $1,000 stipend for individuals who hold a DESE license in subject area and potential bonus at the end of the fiscal year.

2024-2025 school year consists of 180 school days plus 5 professional development/curriculum work days and a full-time thirty-five hour work week.

To apply, please visit https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=25ca1bdd-0907-4251-b5e1-b1d81b80f69f&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US

Be prepared to provide: 

1. A current resume
2. Letter of interest/Introduction
3. Contact information for three references
4. Transcripts indicating degrees awarded
5. Evidence of licensure or any endorsement if applicable