Derby Middle School Counselor

Derby Middle School

School Guidance Counselor (Grades 6-8)

Reports To:

Principal, Derby Middle School

The Derby Middle School community collaborates to build a supportive environment for counselors to implement a comprehensive program that fosters a welcoming community of learners of all ages. This position is a key leverage for our mission.

Position Summary

Derby Middle School is seeking a student-centered, collaborative, and highly organized School Counselor to serve students in grades 6-8\. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive academic, social-emotional, and college/career readiness counseling services while also serving as a key leader in student scheduling, Section 504 coordination, and student information management.

This position requires expertise in PowerSchool and PowerScheduler, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community partners to support student success.

Essential Responsibilities

School Counseling Services

• Implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the Connecticut Comprehensive School Counseling Framework and ASCA National Model.
• Provide individual and group counseling to support students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth.
• Assist students in developing academic and personal goals.
• Support students and families through school transitions and middle school milestones.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, social workers, psychologists, and outside agencies to address student needs.
• Participate in Student Support Team (SST), Planning and Placement Team (PPT), and other intervention meetings as appropriate.
• Implement counseling strategies and programs that actively promote equity, celebrate diversity, and address the unique needs of all students in an inclusive manner
• Monitor student attendance, academic progress, and overall well-being.
• Provide crisis intervention and referral services when necessary.

Section 504 Coordination

• Serve as the school's Section 504 Coordinator.
• Facilitate eligibility determination and implementation of Section 504 plans.
• Schedule and lead 504 meetings with families and staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and district procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to 504 plans and accommodations.
• Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of accommodations.

Scheduling and Student Information Systems

• Lead the development and management of student schedules using PowerScheduler.
• Collaborate with administration to build and maintain the master schedule.
• Manage student course requests, placements, and schedule changes.
• Utilize PowerSchool to maintain accurate student records and enrollment information.
• Generate reports and analyze student data to support scheduling and academic planning.
• Provide support and training to staff regarding scheduling procedures and student information systems.

Family and Community Engagement

• Establish positive relationships with students and families.
• Communicate effectively regarding academic planning, student progress, and available supports.
• Coordinate with community agencies and resources to support student needs.
• Participate in school events, parent conferences, and family engagement activities.

Qualifications

Required

• Degree in School Counseling.
• Connecticut Certification: School Counselor (068).
• Knowledge of adolescent development and middle school best practices.
• Experience utilizing PowerScheduler to create student schedules and support master schedule development.
• Experience working with diverse student populations.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Master's Degree in School Counseling.
• Experience serving as a Section 504 Coordinator.
• Proficiency with PowerSchool Student Information System.
• Experience with data analysis and student intervention planning.
• Knowledge of MTSS, PBIS, and special education processes.

Desired Characteristics

The Ideal Candidate

• Builds strong relationships with students and families.
• Demonstrates a commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Is proactive, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused.
• Uses data to inform decision-making and student support.
• Thrives in a collaborative team environment.
• Possesses strong technical skills related to student information systems and scheduling.

Compensation

Salary and benefits in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the Derby Board of Education and the Derby Education Association.

Derby Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment for all students and staff.