School Counselor

SCHOOL COUNSELORWEST SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOLThe School Counselor provides a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes students' academic achievement, college and career readiness, and social-emotional development. The counselor collaborates with students, families, staff, and community agencies to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities while supporting the mission and goals of West Springfield High School.Essential Responsibilities: - Implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the Massachusetts Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs (Mass Model) and ASCA National Model. - Utilize attendance, academic, behavioral, and other student data to develop, monitor, and adjust counseling interventions and programming to meet student needs. - Support students in the development and implementation of four-year academic and postsecondary plans through MyCAP and individual student planning.

• Provide individual student planning and responsive services to assist students and families with academic, college, career, and social-emotional needs. - Deliver classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling, and school-wide programming focused on academic success, college and career readiness, and social-emotional development. - Maintain a visible and accessible presence within the school community while developing meaningful relationships with assigned students. - Consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators, families, and outside agencies to support student success and remove barriers to learning.
• Coordinate transition planning and activities for students entering and exiting West Springfield High School, including collaboration with middle schools, postsecondary institutions, and community agencies. - Facilitate and actively participate in Student Success Team (SST), MTSS, Section 504, Individualized Education Program (IEP), and other student support meetings as appropriate. - Identify students requiring targeted or intensive interventions and coordinate services with School Adjustment Counselors, behavioral health providers, special education staff, homeless liaison, and community-based agencies. - Provide short-term, solution-focused counseling and crisis response, while making appropriate referrals for ongoing mental health or community-based services.
• Assist students and families with college admissions, career exploration, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and postsecondary planning. - Monitor student progress toward graduation requirements and support students in meeting academic expectations. - Maintain accurate student records and counseling documentation in accordance with FERPA, DESE regulations, and district policies. - Communicate effectively with students, parents/guardians, faculty, and community partners to support student achievement and well-being.
• Participate in professional learning, department meetings, and district initiatives to continuously improve counseling services. - Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.QualificationsRequired: - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) licensure as a School Counselor (Grades 5-12). - Master's degree in School Counseling or a closely related field from an accredited institution. - Knowledge of the Massachusetts Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs and best practices in school counseling.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.Preferred: - Experience at the high school level. - Experience with MyCAP, Xello/college planning platforms, PowerSchool or similar student information systems, and data-informed decision making. - Knowledge of MTSS, Section 504, IEP processes, and college and career readiness programming. - Experience collaborating with community agencies and supporting diverse student populations.Salary: Per Unit A Contract ($53,939.00 - $102,056.00)