Counselor/Clinician - Bridge Program

Department:

Student Services

Job Title:

Counselor/Clinician – Bridge Program

FLSA Status:

(Exempt/Non-exempt)

Unit A; Exempt

Reports to:

Assistant Principal for Student Services, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services or designee

In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton Public Schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

Summary:

The Counselor/Clinician promotes and enhances the overall academic mission of the Newton Public Schools by providing services that strengthen home/school/community partnerships and alleviate barriers to learning. The Counselor/Clinician contributes to the development of a healthy and safe environment by advancing the understanding of the social, emotional and developmental needs of students and their families and has a strong belief that all kids can succeed.

Qualifications:

? At least a Master’s degree in counseling, guidance, social work, psychology or related field

? Appropriate DESE licensure or licensure eligible (School Adjustment Counselor, School Guidance Counselor, School psychologist)

? 3-5 Years of experience required, preferably working with teens/young adults/families in a school setting

? Experience running programs/programming for youth with social emotional learning needs.

? Experience running social skills groups for children with social emotional learning needs.

? Desire to support direct instruction in social, organizational, and life skills to adolescents with social emotional learning needs. ? Understanding of social emotional intervention practices, including but not limited collaborative problem solving and restorative justice.

? Experience connecting families with outside resources

? Experience collaborating with Department of Developmental Services, Department of Mental Health and the Department of Children and Families

? Ability to handle multitude of varying and complex issues

? Understanding of special education regulations and laws

? Excellent oral and written communication skills

? Ability to use technology effectively

? Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with numerous building stakeholders

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

? Monitor and evaluate progress toward therapeutic goals as aligned with the Bridge program and Individualized Education Plans.

? Provide assertive outreach and act as a liaison between Bridge students, parents, staff and community agencies.

? Assist Bridge families to access private, community, and state agency services

? Collaborate with staff, students and administration to identify and provide proactive and responsive social/emotional support and programming to students within the Bridge Program (and other as needed)

? Participate in the Special Education Team process through delivery of services, IEP Goal writing, and progress monitoring

? Participate in Student Intervention Team, identifying underdeveloped skills, antecedents, and related interventions

? Collaborate with staff, students, and administration to identify, develop, and provide proactive and responsive professional development and consultation to staff

? Develop and enhance community partnerships with varied community agencies to meet the identified needs of students/ families

? Identify and offer in-service training for school personnel and parents.

? Provide counseling services using culturally responsive practices.

? Collaborate with Student Services Team and administration to continuously reimagine, and improve therapeutic services and interventions informed by ongoing needs assessment, data review, and innovation in the field

? Direct skill development work with students; i.e. self-regulation strategies, identification of coping skill

Provide crisis intervention to school age children and their families as appropriate and as requested by administrative personnel assigned to school.

? Establish and maintain home/school ties for students and work with families concerning home situations that relate to school performance.

? Participate in Special Education Services evaluations of students, including adaptive behavior assessments and social development studies.

? Provide case management for assigned students

? Provide emergency consultation/intervention when necessary

? Other duties as needed

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

? Majority of work is performed in a school environment

Physical Requirements:

? Must be able to assist with student behavioral needs as necessary

? Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time

? Ability to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds

? Sufficient mobility to navigate within a large school building