School Counselor

School Counselor Westford Academy Overview: School counselors have an impact on the lives of high school students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, families and the community to create a safe and respectful environment where students can learn and succeed in all aspects of their life. Counselors promote academic, career and social/emotional development so students can realize their full potential and become productive and contributing members of society. Westford Academy’s counseling department includes 7 school counselors and 2 school adjustment counselors. The counselors are compassionate and care about the overall well-being of their students. The counseling department provides a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate counseling curriculum and is well-known for their exceptional school-to-careers program. Counselors help students apply academic achievement strategies, manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills and plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, work force). Strong candidates will demonstrate: * Desire and ability to work with students at the specified age level with diverse backgrounds and levels of ability toward accomplishing their educational goals * Empathy and sensitivity to others' needs * The ability to be highly organized yet also flexible and adaptable * Strong interpersonal skills * Be able to recognize when and what type of intervention is needed * A growth mindset * Strong written, verbal and presentation skills * Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with students, parents, school administrators and other staff, including the ability to discuss topics which may be sensitive * Creativity, enthusiasm and dedication School Counselor Job Responsibilities: * Delivers a school counseling curriculum to students, assessing student abilities, interests and achievement to help them make decisions about their future * Provides brief counseling to address social and emotional concerns and appropriately refers students to health specialists * Recognize and respond to student mental health needs and to assist students and families seeking resources * Share strategies supporting student achievement and success with parents/caregivers, teachers, other educators and community organizations * Lead, advocate and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students * Academic advising and post-secondary planning * Orientation, coordination and academic advising for new students * Interpreting student records * Advocating for students at individual education plan meetings and other student-focused meetings * Makes an effort to know every student for whom they are responsible * Provides individual student planning and responsive services to support students and their families regarding academic matters. * Offers workshops/seminars for parents/caregivers * If hired, this counselor may also be responsible for the co-planning and implementation of the advisory program, exchange student liaison, counselor representative to NHS, scholarship coordinator, etc. * High school experience preferred Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements: * Master’s degree in ​School Counseling and Massachusetts School ​Counselor Licensure are required. * Fulfill continuing education requirements * Uphold ASCA ethical and professional standards Contact Information: Lauren Clark, Director of School Counseling 30 Patten Road Westford, Massachusetts 01886 978-692-5570