Leonard Middle School seeks a dynamic school counselor to join its student support services team. The ideal candidate must demonstrate an ability to build enduring relationships with middle school students and their families; strong interpersonal and communication skills; understanding of counseling best practices and an interest in innovative approaches; capacity to use technology to enhance practice; a solid work ethic, a desire to participate in the school community; and student transition supports.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The School Counselor is responsible for helping students attain their personal, academic and career potential. The selected candidate will provide students with services in matters of responsible decision-making and self-exploration. The School Counselor will support and foster the Leonard Middle School, RSU #34, and district and school improvement initiatives.
SPECIFIC ROLES, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Counseling:
- Provide support and teach developmental school counseling program (ex. Social, Emotional, Career, Academic Skills curriculum.
- Work actively to know each student and raise student aspirations.
- Provide individual and/or group counseling as needed.
- Provide appropriate resources to all students, parents, and faculty to maximize student success.
- Advocate for students who have limited support from home and help to develop students’ self-advocacy skills.
- Provide immediate responsive services in family, personal and crisis situations.
- Actively participate in and contribute to the LMS Leadership Team, BARR Team, and School Counselors’ Team.
- Maintain awareness of current school and community resources for students in crisis and make appropriate referrals.
Monitoring Student Progress:
- Regularly review student academic, social and/or emotional progress of all students with teams through BARR meetings.
- Support teams to take appropriate intervention action when students are not successful.
- Monitor student attendance, academic performance, and student behavior.
Consultation and Communication Responsibilities:
- Maintain effective communication with teachers, families, and administration regarding student progress.
- Provide staff and parent consulting services regarding student learning, student responsibility and other developmental needs.
- Maintain professional and collegial relations with all faculty and staff.
Coordination:
- Assist in the referral of students and families to appropriate community/state agencies.
- Facilitate the grade-to-grade elementary to middle school and to high school transition of students and appropriate student placement.
Professional Development:
- Participate in school improvement initiatives and ensure that school counseling services are coordinated with school and district efforts.
- Actively participate in a variety of professional development activities in order to stay abreast of current educational and counseling issues and ideas.
REQUIREMENTS
- State of Maine Department of Education Certification.
- At least two years of experience desired.
- Preferred and successful experience in guidance and professional training in child development/counseling, consultation and factors influencing the learning process.
- Flexible and confident decision maker.
- Ability to work in a professional manner and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, students, district staff, parents and community service providers.
Maine Guidance Counselor Certification 075, CHRC required.
External Candidates: Visit the RSU#34 website at https://www.rsu34.org/employment-applications-and-vacancies for a teaching application. A complete application packet must include: application, cover letter, resume, MDOE authorization, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Positions will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Complete application packets can be sent to samantha.randall@rsu34.org or mailed to:
RSU 34 Superintendent's Office
Attn: Samantha Randall
156 Oak Street
Old Town, ME 04468