About Job

PASSES ADJUSTMENT COUNSELOR

Contract Period: Academic-year position, 186 days, salaried, exempt

Supervisor: Associate Dean of Academics-Special Education Director

Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work or Mental Health Counseling, or similar. NHED licensure in School Social Work, Associate School Psychologist, or School Counselor with strong clinical skills. A valid clinical license from the State of NH Board of Mental Health (ie, LICSW) is preferred.

Profile of a Pinkerton Adjustment Counselor

A Pinkerton Adjustment Counselor’s most important role is to strive to meet the developmental needs of all students by providing counseling and consultative services that enable students to incorporate the skills, knowledge, values, and behaviors necessary to lead socially responsible, productive, and fulfilling lives. The Adjustment Counselor will offer support in the areas of social-emotional development, mental health, and behavior management in order to aid in academic success.

A Pinkerton Adjustment Counselor works with students to develop student-specific strategies to manage emotions and behaviors. For students who face potential barriers to learning, the adjustment counselor employs strategies that empower students to overcome their challenges and gain valuable life skills. They possess knowledge of mental health care with the ability to assess, initiate interventions, and provide ongoing prevention services that encourage healthy lifestyles. They lead, advocate, and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students by connecting their school counseling program to the school's academic mission.

As a member of the Special Education department and the school community, it is essential that a Pinkerton adjustment counselor displays a collaborative attitude. The growth and progress of a department and the Pinkerton community depend on the involvement and engagement of the faculty members in supporting the department and school goals. The school adjustment counselor’s contributions to the creation of a positive atmosphere in the school community reinforce learning as a lifelong activity. The modeling of Pinkerton’s goals of courtesy, respect, and responsibility can be demonstrated through an adjustment counselor’s relationships with students, staff, and parents.

Pinkerton Academy asks all faculty members to exhibit the highest degree of professionalism in all situations, whether they are actively engaging with students, performing professional duties, or representing the Academy in another capacity. It is imperative that an adjustment counselor maintain their certification, meet their commitments as outlined by the Employee Handbook and individual contracts, and uphold all school policies. If the adjustment counselor finds themselves in disagreement with any school policy, they can voice that disagreement within the processes outlined in the Employee Handbook. Pinkerton Academy faculty are dedicated to showing respect for others, including their opinions and their roles on campus. All faculty need to demonstrate respect for others, integrity, sound judgment, and an ongoing commitment to their professional duties and growth, their students, and the Pinkerton community.

Services

Design and implementation of Mental Health Counseling goals and objectives for IEPs.
Provide individual counseling specified by the student's IEP.
Provide PASSES students group counseling through directed activities or therapy-oriented activities.
Provide crisis intervention and counseling to PASSES students as the need arises. Areas to include school, social, personal adjustment, and other stress-related problems.
Provide support & strategies to parents and staff.
Work with PASSES staff to develop functional behavioral assessments and/or assessments of lagging skills and unsolved problems assessments (ALSUPs) and behavior plans.
Complete written reports documenting student progress and participation in individual and/or group counseling at the end of each year.
Provide quarterly IEP progress reports and Annual Progress reports related to counseling goals.
Provide contact with parents and students' private therapists as deemed appropriate.
Consult with all special education staff to offer support and problem-solving.
Attend IEP team meetings, program meetings, and end-of-year IEP meetings as schedules allow.
Provide counseling and behavior strategies to ACT students as requested or needed.

Department

Exhibits enthusiasm, cooperation, and professionalism with respect to department responsibilities.
Engages and participates in department meetings and professional learning communities.
Displays professional growth in relation to individual, department, and school initiatives.
Collaborates and shares expertise or areas of professional growth with colleagues.
Communicates effectively and respectfully with department members.
Additional duties as assigned by Associate Dean of Academics-Special Education Director.
Participates in
- Active member of 4S team
- Professional learning that keeps counselors current with trends and best practices
- Departmental responsibilities
Displays
- Professionalism
- Empathy
- Highest ethical standards
- Punctuality
- Reliability
- Understanding of diversity (socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity)

School and Community

Displays respect for all members of the school community.
Creates collaborative relationships beyond Pinkerton Academy (i.e. CLM, local resources/health care providers, etc.).
Attends school functions that are facilitated and supported by special education/school counseling (i.e. Course night, Freshman Field Day, Parent Information Night, etc.).
Promotes progress of the school community by engaging in committees that enact change.
Supports student involvement and engagement outside of the classroom.

This job description and the Employee Handbook are designed to cover a comprehensive list of activities and responsibilities that are required for this job. While every effort will be made to notify school psychologists in advance of any changes to their job description and/or expectations, the Board and its assigned designees may at any time, with or without notice, make changes to duties and responsibilities