Portland Public Schools: Middle School Counselor

Portland Public Schools seeks innovative and passionate Secondary School Counselor to join our Middle School team and support the academic, social, and emotional success of our students.

The desired candidate would possess the following attributes:

Experience providing counseling services at the middle school level
Knowledge of Michigan Merit Curriculum and Personal Curriculum requirements
Understanding of Special Education and Section 504 regulations
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Experience using student information systems and educational technology
Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and PBIS frameworks
Ability to collaborate effectively with students, staff, families, and community partners

Eligible candidates must meet the following qualifications:

Master’s degree in School Counseling or a related counseling field
Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with Guidance and Counseling endorsement (NT)
Experience working with students in a K-12 educational setting preferred
Knowledge of MTSS and PBIS frameworks
Strong verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

This position works within the counseling department at Portland Public Schools and is directly responsible for ensuring the district meets the social and emotional needs of students within the district's MTSS system.

Student Support:

Provide individual and small-group counseling to support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs
Implement behavioral health interventions that support student well-being
Facilitate universal behavioral screenings and monitor student progress (SRSS/SWIS)
Assist with attendance monitoring and support students experiencing chronic absenteeism or truancy

Instruction and Prevention:

Deliver classroom guidance lessons aligned with social-emotional learning and the Second Step curriculum
Support the development and delivery of career awareness and readiness programming for middle school students

Collaboration and MTSS Support:

Participate in MTSS meetings and collaborate with teachers, behavior support staff, and administration
Assist in Child Find processes and collaborate on Special Education and Section 504 support
Provide training and guidance to staff on supporting students impacted by trauma

Family and Community Engagement:

Coordinate with community agencies and maintain resource lists to support students and families
Make referrals to Community Mental Health or other support agencies as appropriate

Additional Responsibilities:

Maintain accurate records and ensure student confidentiality
Participate in crisis response efforts when needed
Attend required meetings and professional development
Perform other duties as assigned

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

Position Details:

Title: School Counselor
Reports to: Building Principal
Calendar: As per District Calendar and PEA contract
Compensation: In accordance with PEA contract

Application Process:

Applicants for the position shall submit the following:

Letter of interest detailing the manner in which the candidate meets the qualifications and desired attributes for the position
A current resume with reference contact information
Copies of all university transcripts
Copies of current Michigan educator certification
Two current (within the last two years) letters of recommendation

Leanna Davis, Principal

Portland Middle School

745 Storz Ave

Portland, MI 48875

Questions about the position or the district can be sent to Leanna Davis, Portland Middle School at ldavis@portlandk12.org or 517-647-2985

No person applying for employment at Portland Public Schools shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. We are an equal opportunity employer.

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