K-5 Adjustment Counselor (0.4): 2022-2023 School Year

Role: K-5 Adjustment Counselor
FTE: 0.4 (Approximately Two Days Per Week)
Location: Downey Elementary School
2022 -2023 school year
Number of Openings: 1

Westwood Public Schools is hiring for talented elementary School Adjustment Counselors to complement our array of services to support students socially and emotionally. Westwood Public Schools strives to work with the whole child and understands that meeting the social and emotional needs of all students provides further access to their learning.

OUR DISTRICT:

Westwood is a welcoming suburban community with an exceptional track record of supporting and celebrating its public schools.  As a district, we are committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, and we understand that a diverse team allows us to serve our community better. We welcome and encourage individuals of every race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status to seek opportunities within our school district.

You will join the strong professional learning community of the Westwood Public Schools. In our mission to prepare students for college, career, and civic life, we work collaboratively to provide rich and rigorous curriculum, high-quality instruction, trusting relationships, and authentic educational experiences.  We hold true to our core district values of academic excellence and a commitment to improvement; curiosity and tenacity; and respectful relationships in a caring, collaborative community. 

THE ROLE:

The School Adjustment Counselor works with individuals, groups, and families to facilitate students' adjustment and success within the school environment. The counselor will address a variety of student issues including mental illness, family stress, and social/emotional disorders.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the diversity of the student population through cultural and family engagement and the inclusion of diverse learners throughout the day
• Provide long and short term individual and/or group counseling to students, as needed relative to social and emotional issues that impact academics and relationships
• Provide direct service for individuals identified through Individual Education Programs (IEP) and 504 Accommodation
• Observe students in the classroom and provide consultation to the teachers, when necessary
• Provide social skill training to students as well as follow up consultation as needed
• Coordinate with outside agencies for students who have hospital or therapeutic placements due to emotional disabilities.
• Provide Crisis Intervention: Conflict mediation, de-escalation, peer mediation
• Member of the Building Crisis Team
• Assist with functional behavior assessments for identified students and assist in writing and implementing behavioral plans as needed
• Maintain appropriate documentation including progress reports for students with IEP’s 
• Collaborate with faculty and staff on students' needs and progress
• Liaison with outside providers and therapists
• Collaborate with School Nurse and School Psychologist
• Be trained in and a member of student support/de-escalation team (CPI training provided)
• Attend IEP and 504 meetings, when requested
• Attend and participate in school and Special Education Department staff meetings
• Any additional duties requested by the Director of Student Services or Team 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's in Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling from a school accredited by the Department of Education
• Massachusetts School Adjustment/Social Worker Certification
• A minimum of three years of post-Master's experience, including at least 1-2 years of school system experience preferred
• Employment-based on successful completion of CORI and Federal fingerprinting/background check
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with children and adults
• Commitment to remain current in field knowledge, evaluation and counseling strategies
• Knowledge of community and state agencies and programs for children and families
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and in conformity with state licensure requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The Westwood Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, genetic information, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment in its programs and activities. The Westwood Public School district is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in our workplace. The school system’s educational philosophy and personnel goals, including the goal of equal employment opportunity, will be considered in filling all positions.