JOB TITLE
Senior School Wellness Counselor
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Mass Academy
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Mass Academy seeks a senior school wellness counselor to support the social, emotional, and behavioral health of the high school students in our academic program for 2024-2025 school year.
This is a part time position.
About Mass Academy
The Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science (Mass Academy) is a tuition-free, co-educational, public school of excellence that enrolls approximately 100 academically accelerated 11th and 12th grade students from Massachusetts. Math and science are emphasized within a comprehensive, interactive academic program. Rigorous junior year classes and senior classes taken at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) prepare students for college academics before they’ve graduated from high school.
JOB DESCRIPTION
WPI is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We are looking for candidates who can support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
The school wellness counselor is responsible for providing services to Mass Academy students to support their social, emotional, and behavioral health. The school wellness counselor is a key member of the Wellness Team and will work closely with the school counselor, families, and faculty to develop programming and intervention plans tailored to meet individual students’ needs and ensure their well-being.
This is a part time position, approximately 20 - 28 hours per week. The schedule is flexible, with an expectation that the school wellness counselor will work at least 3 days per week, including some afternoon hours.
ESSENTIAL FUCNTIONS
1. Student Counseling
Provide individual, and group counseling to students in need of more intensive support
Conduct crisis evaluations as needed for students, referring them to appropriate mental health and community based services
Support students’ re-entry to school following hospitalization
Communicate regularly with families, outside providers, and staff about student needs and referrals
Maintain resources for referral to community based services
Create and facilitate Tier 2 services to meet demonstrated areas of student need
Participate in 504 meetings for students as needed
Collaborate with faculty to identify supports and strategies for working with students experiencing mental health and academic difficulties
Maintain case records and files, and adhere to the principles of the profession in regards to confidentiality
Stay current with issues pertaining to adolescent development and mental health and provide consultation to faculty
2. Schoolwide Programming and Initiatives
Serve as a member of the Wellness Committee, School Council, and Student Support Team; serve as co-chair of the Wellness Committee
Assist in expanding the school’s existing wellness initiatives and programming
Assist in strengthening the school’s use of culturally relevant practices
Participate in programmatic initiatives to support student well-being
Facilitate after-school extracurricular activities
Serve as an advisor to the director on programmatic goals related to student mental health, sense of belonging, and overall well being
3. Educational Programming
Develop and implement educational programming to support students with the transition to Mass Academy (ice breakers, team-building, collaboration, dealing with imposter syndrome, defining success, etc.)
Develop and implement a wellness curriculum for all students on topics related to effective communication, self-advocacy, stress management, organization, time management, conflict resolution, perfectionism, self-esteem, bullying, etc.
Observe classes and provide training and support to teachers in best practices to foster an inclusive and welcoming classroom, including formal professional development for all faculty and individualized coaching as needed
Create and maintain a bank of online well-being resources for students and families
In coordination with the Parent Support Group (PSG), conduct informational workshops to increase families’ awareness of teen mental health issues
4. Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor
REQUIREMENTS
5. Qualified candidates will hold a Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field and demonstrate a passion for supporting all learners through a culturally responsive lens.
6. Qualified candidates will be credentialed as Licensed Social Worker (LICSW/LCSW) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
7. Qualified candidates will hold Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) Licensure as School Social Worker, School Adjustment Counselor, or School Guidance Counselor
8. Minimum 5 years experience required; 10 or more years of experience preferred
9. Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds preferred.
10. Experience working with high school students preferred
11. Ideal candidates will embody Mass Academy’s mission and core values. Ability to work collaboratively required.
12. Updated from specific job duties to essential functions
13. Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.
Please include a cover letter with your resume for consideration.
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.