School Adjustment Counselor

The Ipswich Public Schools is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Elementary School Adjustment Counselor to join the team at Doyon Elementary School. This is a newly created position, designed to address the increasing social, emotional, and therapeutic needs of students. The Adjustment Counselor will collaborate with the school’s current social worker, school psychologist, and other members of the Student Services Department to provide comprehensive support to students. This position includes a focus on direct therapeutic interventions, collaboration with families and staff, and some case management responsibilities for students requiring specialized social/emotional supports as part of their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The Adjustment Counselor will be instrumental in fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment to maximize student learning and success. Primary Responsibilities: 1. Therapeutic Interventions and Counseling: ○ Provide individual and group counseling to students addressing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. ○ Develop and implement therapeutic methodologies tailored to individual student needs. ○ Collaborate with teachers and staff to integrate social/emotional learning strategies into the classroom. 2. Case Management: ○ Serve as a case manager for a group of students with IEPs focusing on social/emotional needs. ○ Coordinate and monitor special education services for assigned students, including writing and maintaining IEPs. ○ Conduct social-emotional assessments as part of the special education evaluation process. 3. Collaboration and Teamwork: ○ Partner with the existing school social worker and school psychologist to design and deliver school-wide initiatives supporting mental health and wellness. ○ Actively participate in Student Support Team (SST) meetings to identify and address student concerns. ○ Serve as a resource to teachers, administrators, and families on effective strategies for supporting student well-being. 4. Crisis Intervention: ○ Provide crisis intervention and support to students and families during emergencies or significant events. ○ Develop safety and support plans for students at risk. 5. Family and Community Engagement: ○ Act as a liaison between the school, families, and community agencies to ensure cohesive support for students. ○ Offer resources and referrals to families for additional services and supports outside the school setting. 6. School Climate and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): ○ Contribute to school-wide SEL initiatives to promote a positive, inclusive environment. ○ Conduct staff professional development on topics related to mental health, trauma-informed practices, and behavior management. 7. Compliance and Documentation: ○ Maintain accurate and confidential records of services provided. ○ Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and district regulations related to special education and student services. General Responsibilities: ● Participate in school-wide events, professional learning communities, and professional development sessions. ● Monitor attendance and engagement patterns to identify at-risk students. ● Advocate for students’ needs during meetings, including IEP meetings, Section 504 plan meetings, and other team discussions. Preferred Qualifications: ● Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.