Director of Counseling (Secondary Level)

The Canton Public Schools is seeking an exceptional and dynamic candidate to serve as the Director of Counseling (Secondary Level) for the upcoming school year beginning in July 2025.  The Director of Counseling (Secondary Level) will join a vibrant and supportive team that places a high priority on collaboration, creativity, flexibility, and commitment to the goals of the District and to our students, families and staff.   

The Canton Public Schools are an inclusive community for all students and staff and serve over 3,100 students in grades PreK-12 and our 18-22 programming.  The Canton Public Schools are elevating the educational experience for our students by cultivating a school culture and climate that promotes academic growth and social emotional learning for every student, and ensures high quality teaching and learning through the purposeful design of rigorous and equitable student experiences.  

We are eager to find the next member of our team who collaborates with other educators to create the conditions necessary so that every child experiences the true joy of learning, the excitement of achievement, areas of passion, and an authentic sense of belonging in their school.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Counseling is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the comprehensive school counseling program for the secondary level.  In addition, the Director of Counseling is responsible for coordinating all college-preparatory testing at the secondary level.

The primary goal of the Director of Counseling is to ensure that the comprehensive school counseling curriculum and services meet the academic and social-emotional needs of each student. To accomplish this goal, the Director of Counseling shall work cooperatively and collaboratively with the other department chairpersons, counselors in the department, Principals, and Central Office administrators. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to):

1. Oversee and coordinate a comprehensive counseling program for the middle and high school.
2. Oversee and work collaboratively with counseling staff to update and maintain relevant and appropriate guidance seminar courses. 
3. Work collaborating with building administration on the hiring of all school counselors and adjustment counselors at the middle and high school levels.
4. Supervise and evaluate school and adjustments counselors at the middle and high school levels.
5. Member of the middle and high school leadership teams.
6. Plan and facilitate monthly counseling department meetings.
7. Serve as the Testing Coordinator for multiple secondary exams.  
8. Support and assist in the development of the master schedules at the middle and high school.
9. Learn and implement best practices for school counseling.
10. Plan, design and facilitate professional learning sessions for elementary, middle, and high school counseling staff and/or whole school or district staff.
11. Foster and promote parent/guardian engagement as it relates to counseling programming.
12. Responsible for the monitoring and retention of appropriate student data and records. 
13. Oversee and collaborate with high school counselors on an effective post secondary process for students.
14. Prepare program-related budget requests with school counselors; work with principals to establish priorities; consult with principals to determine specific items and programs to be purchased.
15. Responsible for the development and implementation of the program of studies at CHS and GMS in conjunction with department and prek-12 coordinators.
16. Assist with the high school data processing services under the direction of the building Principal.  This would include all student scheduling and academic records.
17. Inform parents/guardians and the community about school-counseling related services, opportunities, and programs.
18. Coordinate a series of parent/guardian and community events for counseling related programming such as college nights and other informational topics.
19. Serve as the Naviance (web-based college and career planning program) administrator.
20. Oversee the Canton High School Scholarship/Awards program and additional opportunities for students. 
21. Provide coordination between mental health clinics and other outside agencies, providing services for students and their parents.
22. Administer school and vocational placement services.
23. Keep abreast of current college and university admission requirements and communicate with students and families.
24. Maintain financial aid and scholarship programs available to students.
25. Maintain a reduced student caseload in special or unique circumstances.
26. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services or his/her designee.

Qualifications: 

1. Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in counseling required
2. Massachusetts Educator License in School Counselor and Director/Supervisor.
3. A minimum of five years of successful school counseling experience or its equivalent.
4. Demonstrated leadership and initiative.
5. Administrative ability to organize and assign tasks.
6. Proven ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to: administrators, parents/guardians, teachers, students, other school staff and visitors
7. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
8. Well-organized with excellent leadership abilities
9. Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills
10. Working knowledge of relevant technologies: internet and email systems; word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software; and educational software
11. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the school department may find appropriate and acceptable

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Services

SUPERVISES: Counseling, both school and adjustment at the secondary level

WORK YEAR: Full time, 200 days; 183 school days plus 5 days before the start of school, 5 days after the last day of school and the remaining 7 days spread throughout the summer when school is not in session per mutual agreement

COMPENSATION: Competitive salary with comparable districts

If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to reach out to the below contact for this position to discuss your application.