The vision of the Arlington Public Schools is to be an equitable educational community where all learners feel a sense of belonging, experience growth and joy, and are empowered to shape their own futures and contribute to a better world.

Approved by the Arlington School Committee

ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Arlington, Ma 02476

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Assistant Director of High School Counseling

JOB GOALS: This position will lead the Arlington High School’s school counseling department and initiatives. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to create the vision, systems, and structures to support the district's focus on college and career readiness and comprehensive school counseling program

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 
  Master’s Degree in the field of School Counseling, Psychology, Education, Social Work or a related field.
• Massachusetts DESE license as a Supervisor/Director (non-core), Supervisor/Director (guidance), or Supervisor/Director (pupil services), AND as a School Adjustment Counselor or School Counselor.
• Three years of leadership in a school district, school, or organization preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Experience working directly with students as a high school counselor (guidance) or related experience, especially with diverse student populations.
• Knowledge of effective strategies for leadership in an educational setting, including effective management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge and experience with the college application process.
• Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and their implementation, specifically at the High School level.
• Demonstrated capability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, such as school district staff, families, youth, community members and other community partners.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong technology skills, including experience with Naviance and PowerSchool or similar applications.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 
  Supervise, evaluate, support, and coach School Counselors and other staff assigned to the School Counseling Department, including the Administrative Assistant.
• Lead the High School’s initiatives in school counseling under the primary supervision of the High School Principal.
• Lead High School initiatives in school counseling under the secondary supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.
• Coordinate and oversee implementation of Section 504 procedures for all AHS students.
• Assist and collaborate with the District 504 Coordinator, providing resources and guidance on K-12 alignment of 504 procedures and implementation.
• Collaborate with building-based administrators, Director of Social Emotional Learning and School Counseling PreK-12, and mental health staff to oversee the Learning Center, Shortstop, and Harbor programs that support students returning from long-term absences / hospitalizations and engage in ongoing program evaluation to assess the efficacy of the intervention related to student outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with district and building-based staff to develop an instructional vision for student success that integrates social emotional learning and wellness with rigorous instructional opportunities.
• Establish and maintain relationships and collaborations with admissions departments at the college/university level and other post-graduate programs.
• Develop and oversee systems and interventions for supporting students’ path to graduation (includes coordinating effective 4-year academic advising processes, coordinating support and processes for students in danger of not graduating, monitoring implementation of EPPs).
• Coordinate and oversee the process of building and maintaining the High School master schedule, including supervision of processes surrounding student placements in supervision of School Counselors.
• Convene and lead regular Counseling Department meetings.
• Prepare and present reports at the request of administrators.
• Create/compile and maintain, in accordance with district procedures, a comprehensive description of 9-12 Guidance Program including policies, procedures, and other components.
• Coordinate standardized testing including PSAT, SAT, AP, MCAS, and testing accommodations.
• Coordinate college and other post-graduate counseling initiatives by high school guidance staff.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

REPORTS TO: Arlington High School Principal (Primary) AND

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services (Secondary) OR

Director of SEL and Counseling PK-12 (Secondary) as assigned

SUPERVISES: School Counselors and other staff assigned to AHS School Counseling Department, as assigned

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 205 Day Position in Accordance with the Arlington Administrators Association Bargaining Unit

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice. We are looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole.