STAR Academy Adjustment Counselors (ACs) promote and enhance the overall academic mission of the PSB Comprehensive School Counseling Program by providing services that strengthen home, school, and community partnerships and address barriers to learning and achievement. Under the direction of the Assistant Director of School Counseling, Clinical Services, and SEL and STAR Academy Director, ACs deliver counseling services to students and STAR program staff by providing direct and indirect mental health services to students experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioral problems that interfere with their performance in STAR Academy, and facilitate communication among program, home and community providers. ACs help foster and sustain a healthy, safe, and caring environment. Such an environment is achieved by advancing the understanding of the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success along with the implementation of effective intervention strategies. ACs will deliver in-class lessons, provide 1:1 supports, and facilitate small groups during the STAR Academy summer program.  

Primary responsibilities, include, but are not limited to:
1. Provide short-term individual and group counseling to students who are experiencing social/emotional/behavioral problems that interfere with their learning or the ability of others to learn, during transitions and other high-stress situations.
2. Provide social skills, anger management, stress reduction, or other similar instruction to students who are experiencing social/emotional/behavioral problems that interfere with their learning or the ability of others to learn.
3. Assist teachers and parents in developing and implementing behavior management plans to remediate behaviors that interfere with a student’s success.
4. Assist students to improve their academic, personal, and social functioning.
5. Interview students and parents to discuss issues related to non-attendance and develop a plan of action.
6. Provide case management services including, but not limited to, referrals to community resources.
7. Provide information to families and assist them in accessing long-term or intensive counseling services, as needed.
8. Consult and collaborate with social services, mental health, and other community providers.
9. Provide crisis management services, including assessment for safety.
10. Assess students for substance use, support systems, physical and emotional functioning, barriers to academic performance, peer issues, suicidal/homicidal ideation, and similar issues.
11. Provide individual and/or group counseling in response to program-wide crises; and coordinate home, program, and community resources in addressing the crisis situation.
12. Maintain an accurate record of students, their caretakers, and any other pertinent contacts.
13. Complete recordkeeping and administrative responsibilities in an organized and timely manner.

14. Attend STAR Academy team meetings.
15. Adhere to professional ethical standards, policies, and laws in conduct and practices, district policy, and administrative rules.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge and skills for direct and indirect intervention including counseling on an individual, group, or family basis; consulting with administrators, teachers, parents/guardians, and other professionals about student challenges and appropriate change strategies; and networking with programs and community agencies to provide essential services for families and children; understanding of the knowledge, skills, and processes for effective casework practice; understanding of associated laws (IDEA, ADA, compulsory attendance, etc.), ethical issues, professional issues, and standards; foundations of school counseling and psychology; understanding of child development, psychopathology, social and environmental conditioning, cultural diversity and family systems. Knowledge of and experience working with English learners and/or students in METCO.

Work Schedule: July 29-August 16, 2024, Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

-Master's Degree in Counseling or Social Work

-Licensed as a School Adjustment Counselor/Social Worker in Massachusetts

-Independent Counseling License preferred (LMHC or LICSW)

-Bilingual/bicultural preferred

-PSB is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of this academic community. Applicants are encouraged to include in their cover letter information about how they contribute to this goal.