Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm School Counselor to join our team at the Newman Elementary School. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

About Needham Public Schools (NPS): The Needham Public Schools has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here.

Job Responsibilities: 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions or duties listed below are representative examples and may not be exhaustive. Other duties may be assigned.

Direct Service

• Provides individual and group counseling in school for students in need of all levels of emotional support (short-term and long-term), while maintaining appropriate confidentiality 
• Provide clinical crisis intervention, including assessment and facilitation of hospitalizations, when necessary 

In Direct Service

• Assess student needs and monitor progress through observations and information gathering.
• Communicate and collaborate proactively with parents, administrators, teachers, support staff, and other mental health providers as necessary regarding student social, emotional, mental health, and educational needs.
• Consult with staff including coaching and professional development on social/emotional/behavioral needs and interventions with students.
• Participate in several teams and programs to identify student needs and develop appropriate intervention plans, such as Student Support Teams, Section 504, Special Education, etc.
• Develop and implement school-wide counseling initiatives and curriculum to build school culture and support social-emotional well-being and learning.
• Adhere to all ethical and professional standards, including those of a mandated reporter
• Use technology and computer-based student information systems to create and manage student records, schedules, attendance, applications, etc...
• Manage Section 504 for students on counselor caseload.
• Responsible for case management with collateral contacts and partnering with community and state agencies.  
• Perform other duties as assigned by the SEL Director, School Principal, and Special Education Coordinator, if applicable.
• Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, School Psychology, School Counseling, or a related field 
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license (must either hold or be engaged in a process to earn) 
• School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor/School Counselor DESE license 

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates must have strong interpersonal skills and organization, possess strong communication and writing skills, and be able to manage several responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commit to the creation and sustainability of an inclusive, equitable learning environment for all students and faculty, regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
• Strong clinical skills 
• Experience working in a therapeutic and/or school setting.
• Experience delivering special education services

REPORTS TO: Director of School Counseling and School Principal

Application and Selection Procedure:

• Timeline
• All resumes will be screened and selected candidates will participate in a thorough interview process.
• All members of the hiring team are required to attend bias training

Compensation and Benefits: 

Please review Unit Contract A and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits. 

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.

All positions are subject to the approval of the 2024-2025 Needham Public School budget by the Town of Needham.