Early College Program Counselor

Position Summary: The Early College Program Counselor focuses on the coordination and continuous improvement of the district’s career and college readiness programs. The primary responsibility of the Counselor is to act as a bridge between and direct support for the Waltham Public Schools and the MetroWest Scholars Early Start (MWSES) program (Early College). The Counselor will serve as the liaison between Waltham High School, Framingham State University Professors, the MWSES Program staff, and other Early College Program partners, as well as provide academic progress monitoring and support to all students in the program. The Counselor will work to deepen the support and resources in place for equitable access to Early College and coordinate support services for students enrolled in the program. This position is grant funded and has the possibility for renewal for continuation on an annual basis.

Description of Duties:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Support students who are involved in the Early College programs
• Support the Early College Program day to day functioning (seminar scheduling, sharing of information with higher ed, etc), case management of students’ involvement with the Early College Program for those students enrolled.
• Coordinate and promotes college and career readiness programs including but not limited to Dual Enrollment opportunities, Early College and Metrowest College Planning Collaborative.
• Works closely with counselors and teachers to ensure students have a clear understanding of the district’s career and college pathways, aligned course offerings, and completion requirements.
• Collaborate and meet with teachers and post secondary partners to discuss student academic progress.
• Maintain accurate records to document needs, analyze for patterns and strategically problem solve with stakeholders to identify creative solutions to support unique student needs.
• Develop and coordinate activities to expose and guide students to post-secondary options.
• Track data both short term (i.e. grades or credit progress) and longitudinally (i.e. 4 year pass rates for our students in college) of students enrolled in Early College.
• Works to regularly disseminate information and data to school staff, students, families, and community members regarding program options, efforts and achievements.
• Coordinate or attend occasional weekend/evening events/workshops for families addressing post secondary opportunities.
• Ability to work within and promote the priorities of supporting grants.
• Perform other related duties as directed by the Assistant Director of School Counseling.

Supervision:

Supervision Scope:

Supervises students and evaluates their progress.

Supervision Given and Received:

Supervised by Principal and/or Assistant Director of School Counseling

Qualifications:

Qualified applicants must forward cover letter, resume, transcripts, proof of Massachusetts DESE license and SEI Endorsement as well as three current letters of recommendation. Proficiency in Spanish, both verbal and written is preferred.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Master's degree in Counseling, Guidance, Social Work, Psychology or related field.
• Appropriate Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure-School Social Guidance Counselor or School Counselor- All Levels.

Knowledge Required:

• Strong understanding of counseling techniques, intervention skills, and theory.
• Understanding of crisis management interventions
• Effective organization of caseload assignments.
• Effective diagnostic skills.
• Understanding of special education regulations and laws
• Effective instruction in a standards-based classroom.
• Promotion of equity and appreciation of diversity.
• Effective use of technology.
• Fulfillment of professional responsibilities.
• Deep understanding of high school career & college counseling.
• Knowledge of Dual Enrollment and Early College programming.
• Understanding of the importance of supporting student social emotional wellness in the five CASEL core competencies.

Abilities Required:

• Ability to deliver effective counseling to individuals and small groups.
• Ability to differentiate counseling to meet student needs.
• Ability to administer required student assessments and biopsychosocial assessments.
• Ability to handle multiple varying and complex issues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with numerous stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
• Effective caseload management skills.
• Excellent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with students, educators, administrators, community partners, staff, and families via email, phone or in person.

Skills Required:

• Effective testing management skills.
• Excellent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Skills in the specific tasks entailed in evaluating students and developing goals and objectives to meet their needs.

Salary: As per the WEA contract.

Please click here to apply!

Non- Discrimination Notice: Waltham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Waltham Public Schools has partnered with the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education (MPDE) in our effort to welcome diverse candidates to our school system. We value and prioritize the hiring of educators who bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to our schools, and who reflect the diversity of the students we serve.

MPDE is a collaborative of public school districts with a 40-year uninterrupted history committed to supporting the interest of its members to increase the numbers of teachers of color for their schools by providing recruitment support and related services.