Chelmsford Public Schools - Announcement of Vacancy The Chelmsford Public Schools is now accepting applications for the following anticipated vacancy. The District reserves the right to change this vacancy or not fill this vacancy based on further staffing changes, enrollment, or budget. Position: Long-Term Substitute School Counselor- STEP ProgramAssignment Dates: 10/20/2025- 01/21/2026 (Dates are subject to change)Location: McCarthy Middle School Job Description: Support students in the Student Transitional Education Program (STEP) which is a short-term program designed to assist students transitioning back into a regular education setting following an extended absence related to mental health, and/or emotional and physical wellness. The Student Transitional Education Program aligns with the core values of the Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition (BRYT) educational model.

The STEP Counselor will provide ongoing support and intervention through a multi-tiered system of support model that strengthens home-school partnership and students wellbeing and school success. Provide individual counseling, case management, and academic support to remove student obstacles and learning gaps. Collaboration and communication with school-wide student support team and classroom teachers in support of student achievement. Participate as an essential member of the McCarthy School Counseling team to contribute to the schools development of a healthy, safe and supportive environment for grade 7 / 8 students.Essential Responsibilities/Skills: - Experience and passion for working with 7th and 8th grade students who are in transition.- Ability and initiative to work independently and collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team including school educators, specialists, administrators, family and community partners.- Strong case management skills which promote collaboration with school, family and community providers.- Strong counseling/clinical skills and a passion for continued learning and professional development.- Child centered approach to working with students and families.- Excellent organizational and time management skills.- Ability to support students' academic development in partnership with classroom teachers and student support staff.- Maintains confidentiality in communication and documentation.- Ability to assess and evaluate student areas of strength and need in order to remove obstacles to student success.- Initiate and participate in all school meetings related to student progress.- Ability to facilitate meetings and have ongoing communication with families and outside community partners.- Assists with the safety of students by providing crisis intervention and triage support.- Participates in Professional Development and consultation with BRYT partners to strengthen clinical practices.- Provides prevention and intervention counseling services to all students referred.- Participate as a member of the McCarthy School student support team and partner with the district-wide STEP program.

• Appropriately assess and report for suspected abuse/neglect as a mandated reporter. - Maintains communication with administrators, teachers, other school personnel, and parents/guardians to enhance cooperative action, which will meet the health and safety needs of students. - Support school-wide SEL/MTSS initiatives to promote a positive school climate and a sense of belonging for all students.- Design and implement student progress monitoring systems.- Create positive classroom environments to motivate and engage students in growth and learning.- Develops and coordinates individual transition plans for students to reintegrate into the general education classroom environment successfully.