SY 25-26 Guidance Counselor - Middle School

The vision of each of the Fitchburg Public Schools is to provide learning experiences that engage all students in achieving high academic standards while developing intellectual rigor, creative interest, and social characteristics that prepare them for the challenges of living successfully and productively as citizens of this new century.

Job Details:

The Middle School Guidance Counselor will provide direct, in-person services to students needing academic, social, and/or emotional support. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license in 
• School Counselor PreK-8 or 5-12
• Knowledge of current education legislation/regulations;
• Knowledge of middle school students' developmental needs and mandated programs
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children to effectively problem-solve
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders
• Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

 The Guidance Counselor will;

• Provide responsive services as needed to address academic, social, and emotional concerns;
• Work closely with staff to identify students who may require and benefit from ongoing counseling during the school day and/or outside counseling services;
• Monitor students at academic risk and collaborate with teachers and parents to help the student create a plan for success;
• Develop a schedule to meet and instruct assigned students in the locations and at the time designated kin collaboration with classroom teachers;
• Schedule, lead, and/or participate in meetings/conferences with parents, teachers, and the building administration team;
• Participate in, coordinate and conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school (data analysis, reports, logs, notes, student records, reviews, and other functions as necessary);
• Promote high standards and expectations for student achievement;
• Be responsible for using innovative approaches, and instructional strategies including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to be successful in school;
• Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues;
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy;
• Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events, and by self-generated activities that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification;
• Implement the district's mission, philosophy of education, and instructional standards and objectives;
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by district policy and administrative regulation;
• Assist administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner;
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students;
• Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including, implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and\or English Learners (EL);
• Perform other duties that may be assigned by the building Principal/Director of Pupil Personnel Services 

Reports to:        Principal/Director of Pupil Personnel Services

Evaluated by:    Principal/Director of Pupil Personnel Services

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year:

As negotiated by the Fitchburg School Committee and the Fitchburg Education Association (FEA).

Competitive and comprehensive health benefits are offered through the City of Fitchburg; www.fitchburgma.gov/benefits.

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI prior to your start of employment. 

The responsibilities and duties listed are illustrations of the various types of work 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. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Notice of Non-Discrimination
The School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law.
Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Salary : $55,358 - $97,220