Norfolk Public Schools Norfolk, Massachusetts
Vacancy #23
Position Title: .4 Mental Health Counselor/Social/Emotional/Behavioral Health Program Department: Student Support Services Reports To: Director of Student Support Services and Building Principal
Position Overview: The mental health counselor will be dedicated primarily to supporting the district's specialized therapeutic, social, emotional, and behavioral health programming. The candidate will focus on delivering targeted therapeutic interventions, conducting social/emotional/behavioral health consultations, and providing crisis stabilization to ensure the social-emotional well-being and academic accessibility of students within the program. The counselor serves as a core member of the multi-disciplinary team, translating social/emotional/behavioral data into actionable classroom strategies, and participating in IEP and 504 compliance meetings.
Essential Duties and Performance Responsibilities: Programmatic and Social-Emotional Intervention: Provide evidence-based individual and group counseling for students enrolled in the specialized social, emotional, and behavioral program, with an emphasis on developing coping mechanics, self-regulation strategies, and social competencies. Collaborate with classroom teachers, special educators, instructional assistants, and behavior specialists to design, implement, and monitor individual Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs). Deliver immediate crisis intervention, risk assessment, and de-escalation support for students experiencing acute emotional distress during contracted hours. Infuse trauma-informed, restorative, and positive behavioral practices into the program culture to maintain an inclusive and emotionally safe learning environment.
Assessment, Reporting, and Compliance: Conduct comprehensive developmental, socio-emotional, behavioral, and adaptive functioning assessments for initial and triennial reviews Present assessment findings clearly at initial, annual, and re-evaluation IEP and 504 meetings, assisting the team with eligibility determinations and goal drafting. Maintain strict compliance with state and federal timelines, special education regulations, and confidentiality protocols.
Consultation and Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: Consult regularly with general education teachers, special educators, and building administrators to facilitate the implementation of accommodations, modifications, and behavioral supports. Partner actively with parents and guardians to offer insights into child development, provide family outreach, share community resources, and strengthen the collaborative home-school connection. Work with the Family Success Partner to coordinate with external wrap-around services, state agencies, private therapists, and medical providers as necessary to ensure a seamless continuity of care for high-need students. Perform other related duties within the scope of the position as assigned by the Director of Student Support Services or Building Principal.
Qualifications and Requirements: Advanced degree (Master's, Specialist Ed.S., or Doctorate) in School Psychology or a Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution. Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) licensure as a School Psychologist or School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor, and/or valid state clinical social work licensure (LCSW/LICSW). Prior professional experience working within a specialized therapeutic or social-emotional school program is highly preferred. Deep operational knowledge of state and federal special education laws (IDEA), Section 504 compliance procedures, and student confidentiality mandates. Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the organizational capacity to manage caseload responsibilities effectively within a part-time schedule.
Terms of Employment: Part-time, 0.4 FTE (approximately 14.5 hours per week, scheduled to be determined). Salary and benefits are pro-rated based on the current collective bargaining agreement. Evaluation: Evaluation to be performed annually in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the NTA and Norfolk School Committee and pertinent regulations and statutes.
Physical Working Conditions: Must be able to move about and traverse throughout the school building. Must be able to assist students who have physical disabilities. The majority of the workday is spent indoors, however also must be able to spend time outdoors for outdoor activities, recess, fire drills and special activities.
Salary Range: Bachelors/Step 2 $57,919 - Doctorate/Step 15 $117,048 *pro-rated to .4