Hybrid School Counselor/School Psychologist/School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor at Methuen Public School District

METHUEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
VACANCY NOTICE

Title:  School Counselor or School Psychologist or School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

To provide direct services and care coordination to students to support the delivery of Methuen Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools.

OUR MISSION:

Methuen Public Schools enrolls approximately 7000 in a total of five schools. Methuen Public Schools has four PK-8 schools: the Comprehensive Grammar School, the Marsh Grammar School, the Tenney Grammar School, the Timony Grammar School, and one comprehensive high school: Methuen High School. We are a diverse sub-urban/urban community and designated a Gateway City. Our schools celebrate diversity and acceptance of students and families from differing backgrounds. We are committed to setting high expectations of all students and faculty in Methuen Public Schools. Methuen Public Schools students will achieve academic, social-emotional, and civic success. They will attain technological, cultural, and social knowledge to allow them to succeed in college and careers. Students will inspire the community through citizenship, leadership, and their commitment to lifelong learning. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Massachusetts Teaching license in School Counseling, 9-12 or School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor or School Psychologist

• Preference will be given to candidates who are dually certified as a School Counselor and School Psychologist or School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor and School Psychologist

• Additional content area license is encouraged.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

At least a Master’s Degree in the area of major study.

Bilingual preferred - Primary languages spoken in the community are: English, Spanish, Arabic, and French.

SKILLS AND ABILITY:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form;  

• Use evidence-based research practices and data to most effectively guide increasing student growth and achievement using proactive and solution-focused approaches to meeting student needs. 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and the community.

• Work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage several projects simultaneously

• Perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, state and federal laws, and Methuen School  policies (as long as the policies do not conflict with the Methuen Educators Association (Unit A) Contract).

• Work with students of diverse backgrounds with diverse needs in an equitable and inclusive manner.

• Maintain appropriate confidential records.

• React professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations (e.g. environmental changes, behavior/aggression, seizure activity, etc.).

• Operate and/or acquire skills to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Google and use instructional technology and data systems appropriately and work with students to facilitate their use of instructional technology.

• Strong collaborative, counseling, advising, teaching, coaching, and leadership skills to support student programming and work in a team setting. 

• Strong organizational skills to balance the responsibilities of a high demand position. 

• Knowledge of specialized content areas as well as any related laws and procedures.

• Ability to plan and implement services and supports within multi-tiered systems of support based on district and school objectives and the needs and abilities of assigned students. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

• Plans services and supports within a multi-tiered system of support that ensures universal, preventative supports are provided to all students and more targeted/intensive supports are made available to students with greater needs.

• Conducts universal mental health screening and coordinated follow up.

• Employs evidence-based practices to support social emotional, behavioral, and academic growth (i.e. cognitive behavioral therapy, positive behavioral interventions and supports, trauma-sensitive practices, social emotional learning curriculum and instructional practices) and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated objectives.

• Provide evidence-based mental health services and supports to students, including: group and individual therapy, delivery of social/emotional learning curriculum, and engagement in activities to universally promote mental health and wellness.

• Work with staff, parents, and students collaboratively to ensure effective plans and interventions are designed and implemented to support student success academically and regarding postsecondary goals.

• Support the school-wide implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

• Engage in consultation with teaching staff and administrators to support classroom strategies to manage behavior and support students with mental health concerns.

• Organize, analyze, and monitor student data and create data-driven student intervention / treatment plans to ensure that students are provided with the school resources necessary to realize their individual potential.

• Engages in critical incident management, including filing reports of abuse or neglect, conducting risk assessments, and supporting students in navigating acute crises.

• Creates a counseling environment that is safe and conducive to learning and social emotional growth and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.

• Communicates with colleagues, students, and or parents on a regular basis.

• Adheres to all policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct, and for the classroom develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom.

• Attend staff meetings and serve on staff and or school committees.

• Participate in staff development programs.

• Serve as the liaison between the school and appropriate outside agencies.

• Create and manage Section 504 plans in accordance with district and federal policies and procedures.

Project-based responsibilities that may be assigned to counseling department staff based on license, assigned grade-level, and/or departmental needs

• Psychological testing for special education evaluations

• Secondary school advising / counseling

• Developing social services partnerships / programs

• Engaging in planning and implementation teams to support SEL curriculum and instructional practice, PBIS intervention and reinforcement, and design and delivery of mental health services and supports

• Developing and implementing transition programming for transfer students

REPORTS TO:

Building Principal (and/or Director, if any). The performance of this job will be evaluated as per the Methuen Education Association (Unit A) Contract.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Covered under Methuen Education Association (Unit A) Contract. 

Please note that the District reserves the right to transfer all personnel among buildings on an as needed basis to serve the best interests of all students as long as this does not conflict with the Methuen Education  Association (Unit A) Contract.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Methuen Education Association Contract

Only online applications will be accepted. 

Methuen Public Schools is committed to establishing a diverse, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment focused on teaching and learning. A team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our students better. We welcome all qualified applicants.