Adjustment School Counselor

HAMPDEN CHARTER SCHOOL OF SCIENCE Hampden Charter School of Science (HCSS) is a college-preparatory public charter school in Hampden County. HCSS provides high-quality education on two campuses: HCSS-High School(9th-12th) in Chicopee and HCSS-Middle(6th-8th) in West Springfield in a technologically riched environment. MISSION The mission of the HCSS is to provide a solid, college-preparatory-focused education to the youth of every race and ethnic group in Western Mass in a safe, academically challenging, and caring educational environment. Our promise is to sustain a small school size, provide an extended math and science curriculum, individualized attention, college guidance, university outreach programs, and encourage student-teacher-parent partnership. HCSS is one of the top-performing public schools in MA. To fulfill our mission, we are committed to hiring top-notch faculty, administration, and staff. HCSS Middle School will accept applications for the Adjustment School Counselor position with responsibilities for teaching and/or advising students and contributing to further developing the department's programs in the 2025-2026 academic year. Duties and Responsibilities:

Student Support & Counseling Provide individual and small-group counseling for students experiencing emotional, social, or behavioral challenges. Support students in crisis and assist with de-escalation and emotional regulation strategies. Implement interventions for students exhibiting signs of anxiety, trauma, grief, or other mental health concerns. Behavioral Interventions Collaborate with teachers and deans to develop and monitor behavior intervention plans (BIPs) for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students. Provide check-ins and counseling sessions for students referred for disciplinary or behavioral concerns. Track and review DPS data to identify students in need of additional emotional or behavioral support. Collaboration & Communication Work closely with the Director of Counseling, Dean of Students, and grade-level teams to coordinate services and student supports. Maintain consistent communication with parents/guardians regarding student needs and progress. Attend weekly student support meetings and contribute to RTI/MTSS planning. Crisis Response & Risk Assessment Assist in risk assessments and safety planning for students presenting with suicidal ideation, self-harm, or other high-risk behaviors. Serve as a first responder to in-school emotional or behavioral crises. Make referrals to community mental health services as appropriate. School Culture & Prevention Support initiatives to strengthen positive school culture, including anti-bullying efforts and restorative practices. Deliver workshops or mini-lessons related to social-emotional learning (SEL), coping skills, conflict resolution, or mindfulness. Assist in mediating peer conflicts and repairing relationships through restorative conversations. Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate, confidential records of counseling sessions and student interactions. Ensure compliance with FERPA, mandated reporting requirements, and school policies related to student safety and wellbeing. Support 504/IEP teams by providing behavioral and emotional insight when applicable. Professional Growth Participate in regular supervision, training, and professional development on mental health, trauma-informed care, and adolescent development. Stay informed on best practices in school counseling and behavioral support.

Qualities and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to connect with and make a positive impact on young people
• Experience in and demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion work that supports a diverse community
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional growth and development

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000