MIDDLETOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mission Statement:

Middletown Public Schools cultivates the brilliance in each student.

Values and Belief Statements:
Empowerment: Middletown Public Schools empowers its students with the knowledge
and skills to create lives brimming with purpose, passion and fulfillment.
Community: Middletown Public Schools harnesses the power of community by
fostering an environment of mutual understanding and appreciation.
Growth: Middletown Public Schools encourages a culture of growth and exploration,
inspiring lifelong learners.
Authenticity: Middletown Public Schools embraces each person’s authenticity and
cultivates an inclusive culture that brings about a sense of belonging.

Description: School Counseling Department Head

Location: District

Basic Purpose of the Job:

This position is responsible for oversight of the school counseling department for secondary education for the Middletown Public School District. In addition, this position is responsible for oversight of the 504 coordinator for Middletown High School.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Education: Master’s Degree in school counseling or related field required.
Minimum Work Experience: Five years’ experience as a teacher required.
Required Licenses/Certifications: Valid State School Counseling certification (068) and (092) certification required. Valid State Driver’s license required.

Job Requirements:

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Suggested Notice upon Resignation In addition to the job specific requirements listed in this section, employee is accountable for and expected to integrate all MPS values and work Pillars into the execution of the essential functions of their job. Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general requirements for work being performed by employees in this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all requirements, responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so employed.

Ability to display flexibility to meet the operational demands of the department activities required.
Ability to adhere to and model organizational values and Work Pillars required.
Ability to interact with students, families, co-workers and members of the public in a courteous and professional manner required.
Knowledge of and ability to successfully utilize Microsoft office suite programs required.
Knowledge of and ability to successfully utilize PowerSchool program required.
Knowledge of and ability to successfully utilize CTSEDS platform required.
Ability to be an active part of the District and/or School Crisis Management Team required.
Knowledge of and ability to successfully utilize Google suite of programs required.
Knowledge of and in-depth understanding of comprehensive school counseling models, such as the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, including its components (e.g., foundation, delivery, management, accountability) required.
Knowledge of and familiarity with federal and state education laws, including Title IX, the Carl Perkins Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and state-specific reporting requirements (e.g., student data and 504 plans) required.
Knowledge of child and adolescent development, including academic, career, and social emotional growth, to address diverse student needs required.
Proficiency in educational data analysis, including interpreting standardized test results, attendance records, and student performance metrics to inform program development required.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge and expertise with the CCSCF and the ASCA National Model required.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge of best practices and methodologies in school counseling, aligned with current state and national standards required.
Understanding of school counseling curriculum development, including scope and sequence planning for academic, career, and personal/social interventions required.
Knowledge of culturally responsive practices to support diverse student populations and promote equitable access to educational opportunities required.
Ability to lead, mentor, and evaluate school counseling staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring alignment with district goals required.
Skill in designing, implementing, and assessing school counseling programs to meet student needs and comply with state standards required.
Ability to manage and report on department budget required.
Ability to align counseling programs with school and district goals, including contributing to school improvement plans and introducing new initiatives required.
Capacity to address complex student issues, such as academic underperformance or social emotional challenges, through targeted interventions and stakeholder collaboration required.
Ability to mediate conflicts among students, staff, or families and facilitate constructive solutions in high-pressure situations required.
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities (e.g., staff supervision, program oversight, student support), and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment required.

Essential Functions:

Essential Functions encompass those tasks, duties, and responsibilities that are critical and fundamental to the job and comprise the means of accomplishing the job’s purpose and objectives. They are the major functions for which the person in the job is held accountable. For any employee with population specific/age specific competency requirements a copy of the requirements must be attached to this document.

1. Builds, implements, and monitors the Connecticut Comprehensive School Counseling Framework. Evaluates and makes recommendations for school counseling framework regularly.

2. Oversees SAT and AP testing in collaboration with high school administrators.

3. Proactively leads department in developing and executing activities that promote postsecondary college and career readiness for all students.

4. Carries a student caseload and in this capacity serves as a school counselor.

5. Uses and coordinates the use of school data to ensure the counseling program is meeting the academic, college/career, and social-emotional development of all students.

6. Assists building administrators in the interviewing of prospective staff for school counseling department. Serves on hiring committees as requested.

7. Assists in the selection and use of appropriate counseling materials to achieve course objectives.

8. Schedule, prepare agendas, and facilitate department meetings on a regular basis for all grade levels and: perhaps take out “all grade levels) program areas of responsibility

9. Serves as a member of the high school and middle school data teams.

10. Proactively collaborates with community partners and coordinate monthly meetings with probation, DCF, Family with Service Needs and or community outreach groups as needed.

11. Supervises, and trains School Counseling staff.

12. Designs, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with district goals and national standards (e.g., ASCA National Model).

13. Supervises, and mentors school counseling staff, providing professional development opportunities.

14. Oversees the creation and management of student support plans, including academic advising, college and career planning, and crisis intervention

15. Takes action to ensure students receive individualized school counseling for academic planning, course selection, and post-secondary transitions (college, career, or vocational paths).

16. With support from building administrators, leads in the design and building of school master schedules.

17. Coordinates interventions for students facing academic, behavioral, or emotional challenges, referring them to external resources when necessary.

18. Promotes a positive school climate by supporting building administrators and others on such issues such as bullying, mental health, and diversity/inclusion. Reports incidents to respective school principal as needed.

19. Proactively partners with school administrators to align school counseling programs with educational goals and policies.

20. Collaborates with administration with the implementation of the plan process; SRBI/SAT, Section 504 & PPTs.

21. Collaborates on SAT and AP testing with high school administrators.

22. In collaboration with building administrators, proactively engages with teachers, parents, and community organizations to support student development and remove barriers to success.

23. Serves as a liaison between the school and district leadership, advocating for resources and policy changes to enhance student support services.

24. Analyzes student data (e.g., graduation rates, test scores, attendance) to identify trends and inform program improvements.

25. Ensures that actions are in compliance with state and federal regulations, including those related to special education, 504 plans, and student privacy (e.g., FERPA).

26. Serves as High School 504 Coordinator. Maintains related documentation.

27. Prepares reports and maintains accurate records of counseling activities and outcomes.

28. In collaboration with building and other district administrators, leads the development and implementation of crisis response plans, supporting students and staff during emergencies.

29. Provides guidance and resources for students dealing with trauma, mental health crises, or other urgent needs.

30. In collaboration with building administrators, organizes special orientation programs, including, but not limited to College Night, FASFA Night, Career Night, etc.

31. Prepares and delivers professional development plans for staff. Completes and maintains appropriate forms.

32. Maintains and keeps up to date, transcripts/records for secondary education students.

33. Actively serves on various committees, tasks forces, etc. as needed.

34. Actively manages and maintains records on department and/or program operating budgets.

35. Performs other duties as directed

Salary and Benefits: Per MFT Contract

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION The Middletown Board of Education is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, alienage, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability or pregnancy in any of its education programs, activities, or employment policies. All educational programs and offerings, including vocational education and extracurricular activities, subscribe to this policy.