School Counselor

Position Summary: The Franklin Public School System is seeking an experienced, creative, skilled and dynamic school counselor to work at Parmenter Elementary School. The counselor will provide comprehensive school mental health services through the implementation of evidence-based interventions and supports.  The goal of Franklin School Counselors is to support students in managing their mental health concerns, increase their abilities to access the school day, and develop skills to independently manage internal and external stressors.  School Counselors should work collaboratively and communicate with all stakeholders to support students’ personal and social success. Job Requirements:

• Works with individual students and groups of students to address personal, social, or emotional issues that impact educational and social-emotional progress.
• Understands role as school-based service provider and as mandated reporter.
• Uses evidence based counseling interventions (ex. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, etc.) and progress data to inform counseling interventions.
• Assesses students experiencing mental health crises and makes referrals to appropriate community supports.
• Acts as a primary member of the crisis intervention team.
• Collaborates with parents/guardians to increase parents’/guardians’ understanding of and constructive participation in managing their child’s problems, and supports access to available community-based resources.
• Consults and collaborates with school-based teams, and administration, parents and community providers in gathering and sharing information on students. 
• Works with school-based teams on planning and establishing student action plans and/or behavior plans.
• Assists students directly to support adjustment to school and access to the curriculum.
• Facilitates individual and group school-based counseling to address issues which impede student progress and access to the curriculum.

Job Qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge of mental health challenges faced by youth
• Possess a strong repertoire of counseling techniques (DBT, CBT, etc.)
• Knowledge of adolescent development and middle school structure
• Knowledge and experience with evidence-based interventions for social skill development
• Must be MA DESE Licensed as School Counselor or School Adjustment Counselor