Job Summary:

The Secondary School Adjustment Counselor is responsible for providing social-emotional support, crisis intervention, and counseling services to students in grades 8-12.  This role focuses on fostering students' emotional well-being, academic success, and personal growth by implementing proactive interventions, collaborating with staff and families, and connecting students to necessary resources. The counselor works to create an inclusive and supportive school environment that promotes positive student engagement and mental health.

Key Responsibilities:
Student Support & Counseling

• Provide individual and group counseling to students experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
• Conduct crisis intervention and risk assessments for students in distress and develop appropriate safety plans.
• Assist students in developing coping strategies, self-regulation skills, and resilience.
• Support students with social-emotional learning (SEL) and peer relationship-building skills.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, special education staff, and school psychologists to support students’ academic and emotional needs.
• Serve as a liaison between the school, families, and community mental health providers.
• Participate in student support team meetings, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and 504 Plan development.
• Provide consultation and training for staff on topics related to student mental health, trauma-informed practices, and behavior management strategies.

Crisis Intervention & Prevention

• Develop and implement school-wide programs to promote mental health awareness and emotional well-being.
• Respond to crises, including risk assessments for suicide, self-harm, or other safety concerns.
• Facilitate referrals to external mental health providers and community resources as needed.

School Climate & Student Engagement

• Promote a positive and inclusive school culture through SEL initiatives, peer mediation programs, and student leadership opportunities.
• Develop and lead workshops on topics such as stress management, conflict resolution, and bullying prevention.
• Support restorative justice practices and alternative discipline strategies that emphasize student growth and accountability.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in School Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• State licensure/certification as a School Adjustment Counselor, School Social Worker, or equivalent.
• Experience working with secondary school students in a counseling or mental health setting preferred.
• Strong knowledge of adolescent development, trauma-informed practices, and crisis intervention strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in student counseling.

Preferred Skills & Competencies:

• Experience working with diverse student populations AND their families, including students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs).
• Familiarity with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
• Proficiency in de-escalation techniques and restorative justice practices.