School Adjustment Counselor - Chestnut Street Academy 2026-2027

The Amherst Public School District is seeking a highly qualified candidate for a part-time (60% FTE) School Adjustment Counselor position at Chestnut Street Academy, which serves students in Grade 6. Of the 60% FTE position, 20% FTE is contingent upon grant funding. The School Adjustment Counselor will work closely with the special education team, guidance counselor, administration, families and outside agencies/providers to address the school based needs of student IEPs.

Highly qualified candidates possess the following:

• A successful candidate will be enthusiastic, committed to education, and willingly collaborate to meet diverse student needs.
• Strong positive, effective written and oral communication skills
• Ability to build effective, collaborative relationships with students, paraeducators, teachers, service providers, program coordinator, administration, families, educational team leaders, outside agencies, and to work as part of a professional learning community and multi-disciplinary team
• Strong case management and home-school communication skills
• Highly effective executive function skills including being well organized, strong time management skills, and able to work independently to meet timelines. Ability to multitask, show flexibility, and work within a fast paced environment
• Experience with trauma, anxiety and other mental health needs
• Experience with completing all aspects of the IEP process including implementation, monitoring, and development
• Experience with a diverse population of students within a multicultural school community
• Experience with and commitment to inclusion that benefits students socially, emotionally and academically
• Strong skills in de-escalation. Trained, or willing to be trained in, a MA approved physical restraint procedure
• Ability to support students across settings

The school adjustment counselor will have the following roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide group and individual school based counseling services including skills development
• Case management services for assigned caseload
• Provide classroom based supports, consultation and interventions to students
• Collaborate and consult with school personnel on topics related to social/emotional learning and mental health issues
• Provide crisis intervention when needed
• Develop behavior supports plans and interventions; collect and analyze data to inform progress and intervention adjustments
• May conduct assessments (FBA)
• Develop IEPs and write progress reports for students on caseload
• Participate in IEP Team meetings to report on progress for students on the caseload
• Attend scheduled staff meetings
• Attend district-wide mental health team meetings and trainings
• Conduct self-harm and threat assessment screenings as indicated

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other mental health provider field preferred
• DESE School Adjustment Counselor certification
• Background working with children with special educational needs including but not limited to social, emotional and behavioral needs
• Bilingual and multicultural candidates are encouraged to apply