Adjustment Counselor – Elementary Therapeutic Program Position: Adjustment Counselor for Elementary Therapeutic Program Reports to: Principal of Schools Approved by: Brian K. Reagan, Ed.D Revision Date: March 2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core values of the Hudson Public Schools. We believe that the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with diverse ideas come together to learn. Applicants whose work incorporates a global perspective and a demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity in education are particularly encouraged to apply. SUMMARY: The School Adjustment Counselor investigates processes of learning and teaching and develops psychological principles and techniques applicable to educational problems to foster intellectual, social, and emotional development of individuals. Analyzes characteristics and adjustment needs of students and recommends educational program to promote maximum adjustment. This program has a full time special education teacher, full time adjustment counselor and 3 para-educators to support a small number of students. There is a consultation with a consulting psychiatrist and clinical psychologist to provide support to staff in the program regarding student needs. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. School Adjustment Counselor Responsibilities: Acts as liaison between family and school. Delivers other counseling activities and programs to support the school community. Provide strategies for academic and personal/social success; identify and assist students experiencing academic and personal/social difficulties; either individually or in small groups as determined appropriate by the multi-disciplinary team. Provides services by facilitating small groups and counseling individuals with specific needs. Conducts structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions to meet the identified short-term need of individuals and groups of students. Delivers prevention, intervention, and crisis management services for students. Consults and collaborates with teachers, staff, and parents/guardians in understanding and meeting the developmental needs of students. Participates in consultations with administrators, teachers, parents and others to enhance their work with students. Conducts or provides opportunities for parent education programs. Recommends corrective and supportive procedures to teachers, parents, or others. Assists families in addressing school-related problems and issues. Assists in locating emergency services for students and families in psychological crisis. Refers students with critical needs, in consultation with their parents/guardians, to appropriate community resources. Consults and coordinates with in-district professionals such as school psychologists, nurses and administrators; and community-based resources such as outside counselors, service agencies, and physicians. Cooperates and collaborates with other professionals in enhancing the education of students. Uses program evaluation tools, analyze data and modify the program components as needed to improve student success. May provide short term, diagnostically oriented interventions with students and/or families. Performs any other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services or the Building Principal. Qualifications: Master’s Degree in social work, or related degree. Massachusetts certification as a Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. Ability to use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of action. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the educational field. Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written form. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents, and the general public. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district level administrators, principals, staff, and community members. Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage several projects simultaneously. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and DESE policies. Understand confidentiality requirements regarding student records. Ability/willingness to plan, coordinate, conduct, and participate in ongoing professional and staff development. Ability to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite. Successful completion of Criminal Records Check (CORI), and fingerprints. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in an educational setting as a School Adjustment Counselor. Experience delivering services under the MA Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs (ASCA model) preferred. EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Hudson School Committee’s policy on evaluation or in accordance with union contract. WORK YEAR: 2 personal days, 12 sick days, prorated pursuant to date of hire. Benefit Eligible on start date. 30 days to enroll in coverage from start date. This is a salaried position distributed over 26 paychecks including a lump sum in June to cover summer pay. While performing duties of this job, the employee may often remain in a stationary position for considerable periods of time. The employee will have ample periods of standing and may be required to traverse throughout the building. The employee must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and use hand strength to grasp tools. Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e., calculator, copy machine, and computer printer). Physical abilities may also include lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling, stooping/crouching, reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, and near/far visual acuity/depth perception/color vision/field. Ability must be able to lift and/or push and pull 15 to 20lbs for short periods, and walk up and down stairs several times a day. The employee must be able to communicate effectively with students, staff members, and the public in person and on the telephone. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. If you require an accommodation during the application process or on the job, you are encouraged to reach out to the Human Resources Department. #J-18808-Ljbffr