Guidance Counselor

Woburn Public Schools Job DescriptionGuidance CounselorThe High School Guidance Counselor reports to the Head of Guidance and the Principal and is expected to work closely with all school personnel. S/he will provide a safe, equitable, culturally responsive environment with high expectations for all students. The High School Counselor (9-12) is an employee member of the school staff designated by the Superintendent of Schools to work in partnership with families, school personnel and state and local agencies to promote the ongoing development of each student's academic, personal/social, and career potential.Goal:The primary goal of the school counselor is to provide a comprehensive competency-based counseling program focused on the learning, personal/social and career/vocational needs of all students.Role & Responsibilities:Assist all students, including students of diverse languages, backgrounds and cultures individually or in groups, with developing academic, career and personal/ social skills, goals and plansAccurately and appropriately interpret and utilize student dataDevelop and deliver a comprehensive guidance curriculumCollaborate with parents/ guardians, educators, and outside agencies to assist students with educational and career planningMonitor and track transcripts and maintain school records for all students, relative to graduation requirements and Massachusetts General LawUse available technological resources to enhance the school counseling programBe familiar with attendance monitoring, dropout prevention and student re-engagement.Perform in accordance with requirements as described in the Massachusetts Department of Education's Tiered Focused Monitoring (TFM)Facilitate all facets of the college application process from exploration to acceptanceAssist and advise the course selection and course change processes at each grade levelConduct grade-specific academic, college and career-related presentations for students and familiesProvide teachers with information relevant to the learning needs of their students as such information becomes availableCoordinate with state agencies as needed (DCF, DMH, DDS, MRC etc)Communicate with CBATS, partial programs, hospitals; coordinate tutoring for students out of school on caseloadAttend and participate in IEP meetingsCoordinate the 504 process for students on caseload; hold annual 504 meetings, write 504s, and monitor the implementation and compliance of the 504 plansComplete Educational Assessments for Special Education Initial and Re-evaluations as requested by team chairpersonAssist with coordination of state testingMonitor students who are failing or in danger of failing and meet with students to address ways to improve classroom performanceSupport students with social-emotional needs, short-term counseling, and refer for long term support when appropriateAttend IST meetings and be prepared to provide grades, MCAS results, and other social/familial and emotional background informationReview MCAS data for proper placement in classes and creation of EPPs as neededAssist with registration of new students, create schedule and inform receiving teachers of students' academic backgroundWork in conjunction with guidance administrative assistant to obtain past school records, grades, and other relevant student data for students new to Woburn Memorial High SchoolPerform other duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, Principal, Assistant Principals or Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling ServicesQualifications & Skill Set:Minimum Requirement: A Master's degree in School Counseling, Social Work, or an equivalent from an accredited institutionMinimum Requirement: Massachusetts Educator Licensure as School Counselor: Grades 5-12Preferred: Experience with the use of Naviance and Powerschool student data management programsTerms of Employment: As outlined in the Agreement Between The Woburn Teachers' Association and The Woburn School Committee.At the Woburn Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, Woburn Public Schools continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a district member of Mass Partnership for Diversity in Education