We are deeply committed to an inclusive curriculum and school community that reflects the diversity of our student population. We strive to have the highest quality educators and encourage applications from candidates representing a broad range of skills and diverse backgrounds. We seek candidates who are dedicated to inclusion and have a clear interest in being part of the richness of diversity that the New Bedford Public Schools community has to offer.
Summary: - To strengthen the district's ability to provide high-quality clinical, behavioral, and support services for students with disabilities, students in referral, and at-risk students in New Bedford.
Position: Responsibilities: - Collaborate with the Special Education/Student Services Department and staff (School Adjustment and Crisis Counselors) to develop and implement programs that meet the needs of the whole student, including the social-emotional programs (Elevate), RISE Program, and Trinity Day Academy.
- Assist in developing a district-wide Response to Intervention (RTI) model that includes both in-school and community supports to address social, emotional, and behavioral learning.
- Collect student data, including behavioral infractions and at-risk forms, and complete reports for the Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services.
- Support the team evaluation process and ensure compliance with all state and federal requirements for evaluations and team meetings.
- Attend team meetings as needed to support the provision of quality special education and related services.
- Stay informed about legal requirements governing special education.
- Work collaboratively with all school staff, providing technical assistance and consultation to support students with social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Provide crisis support and interventions for individual students, families, or groups as needed.
- Assist in planning and delivering workshops and trainings for staff, parents, and community partners to improve programming for at-risk students and those with emotional or behavioral challenges.
- Plan meaningful professional development for staff.
- Maintain accurate and complete student and staff records in compliance with district policy and legal requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: - Certification in the appropriate area and level by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (School Adjustment Counselor/Guidance Counselor).
- Master's Degree from an accredited college or university preferred, with evidence of professional study in special education, psychology, social work, educational administration, and/or supervision.
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) preferred.
- Minimum of three years of experience in Special Education or Student Services.
- Experience designing and implementing behavior and clinical interventions.
- Experience collaborating with community-based mental health agencies, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Youth Services, the Department of Mental Health, and other community programs to integrate services for students in the New Bedford Public Schools.
- Understanding of DESE-mandated restraint training requirements and experience supporting schools in completing the training process.
- Strong communication skills-written, verbal, and non-verbal.
- Experience in crisis intervention.
- Strong interpersonal and social skills when working with colleagues, district staff, families, and the community.
- Excellent attendance record.
Terms of Employment: - Reports to: Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services or Designee
- Rate: In accordance with the Unit A contract found here
The New Bedford Public Schools do not discriminate on account of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, genetics, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions in employment for potential employees. New Bedford Public Schools encourages people with multilingual skills, particularly in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese and/or Spanish, to apply. Every available opportunity will be taken in order to ensure that each applicant is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability.