Organization Overview
Salem Academy Charter School (SACS) is a nationally ranked urban charter school north of Boston, offering a rigorous college preparatory program to 480 students in grades 6-12. Since 2004, SACS has been committed to serving the diverse population of Salem. Through a unique integration of rigorous college preparatory classes with service to the community, Salem Academy graduates are informed, articulate, and proactive individuals of strong character.
Salem Academy is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We seek to support a faculty and staff that reflects the rich diversity of our student body, creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students.
Position Overview
Salem Academy seeks a School Adjustment Counselor to support students. The ideal candidate is committed to prioritizing each student's and family's unique needs to support them in reaching their highest levels of academic, social, and emotional growth. This professional is responsible for providing counseling services, crisis intervention, and preventative programs to address various student needs. Additionally, this individual should have a clinical background, be highly organized, have strong communication skills, and bring an equity-based mindset to their work each day.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide counseling, case management, mental health referrals, and crisis intervention for students in designated grades.
- Conduct safety and risk assessments, determine and follow through with the necessary steps to ensure student safety in collaboration with counseling team members.
- Work with the Dean of Students and Assistant Deans on behavioral/conflict intervention, mediation, and conflict resolution.
- Provide all students with the necessary skills to successfully navigate academic, social, and emotional demands.
- Collecting and analyzing data related to student behavioral and social/emotional functioning in school.
- Coordinating interventions and data-collecting efforts with the Student Services Team.
- Conduct small group and individual counseling sessions.
- Participate in IEP and 504 meetings as necessary.
- Provide services for/with students per their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and/or Section 504 Accommodation Plans.
- Maintain documentation and complete paperwork per school policies and state/federal laws.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records, including counseling sessions, assessments, and interventions.
- Attend weekly grade-level team meetings to discuss students of concern and collaborate with teachers and staff to meet student needs.
- Act as a mandated reporter, filing 51As and collaborating with DCF as necessary to support students and families.
- Connect and coordinate with outpatient therapists, hospitals, and community agencies to develop and provide support for students.
- Communication and collaboration with families related to student social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues.
- Support the development of programs and activities that promote Social Emotional Learning and a positive school climate.
- Support students and families in their interactions with classroom teachers and other school staff.
- Work closely with colleagues on the Student Services Team to effectively resolve short- and long-term student academic, behavioral, or social/emotional challenges.
- Create and sustain a consistent Tier 2 and Tier 3 intervention plan for services for general education students as required.
- Conduct family interviews for incoming students.
- Perform all other appropriate tasks and related duties as assigned by school administrators and/or in collaboration with members of the Student Services Team.
The School Adjustment Counselor may also take on other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Managing Director of Student Services.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 3 years in the helping field with strong clinical experience preferred.
- Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling from an accredited institution.
- Must be licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of MA as a school adjustment counselor:
- If an applicant does not possess a license as a school adjustment counselor, they must possess a license for independent practice (LMHC or LICSW).
- An unwavering belief in our mission and vision: that all students can achieve at high levels.
- Ability to promote a structured, orderly, safe, and respectful school environment that fosters student-centered learning.
- Strong understanding of child and adolescent social and intellectual development.
- Demonstrated ability to connect with diverse students and families.
- Demonstrated knowledge in the following areas:
- Principles of therapeutic relationships.
- Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development.
- Learning disorders and related interventions.
- Understanding of the juvenile justice and community mental health system.
- Familiarity with federal and state laws regarding the legal rights of students and families.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate with adults from a diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds.
- Openness to change, willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in developing new ideas and programs.
- Self-awareness, humility, and integrity in all interactions, personally and professionally
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to independently manage a complex schedule.
- Experience in middle or secondary schools is strongly preferred.
- Fluency in Spanish is highly desired.
Salem Academy Charter School values a school culture that celebrates learning, and we believe that the adult culture in the school is the foundation of the school’s success. The culture is based on mutual respect, integrity, professionalism, a commitment to excellence, a collaborative spirit, and a sense of human kindness particularly as it relates to age-appropriate adolescent development. Salem Academy Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a covered veteran per applicable federal, state, and local laws.
