School Counselor - Moore Middle

Job Description

TITLE: School Counselor - Lyman Moore Middle School

POSITION OVERVIEW:

School counselors are certified educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. School counselors provide students with a comprehensive school counseling program that systematically supports the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all students. Portland Public Schools is hiring a School Counselor to join the team at Lyman Moore Middle School. The School Counselor works under the supervision of the Principal to create and implement data-informed school counseling programs that positively impact student outcomes and promote educational equity and access.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, deliver, and evaluate a developmentally appropriate school counseling curriculum to include lessons in academic success, career awareness and planning and personal/social growth and understanding.
• Provide short-term individual counseling in the areas of academic achievement and secondary planning and in personal/social development.
• Provide individual and small group counseling in a variety of settings
• Consult and collaborate with teachers, staff, and parents in understanding and meeting the needs of students in the school setting
• Make appropriate referrals to outside agencies and specialists
• Participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school
• Plan, evaluate, and revise the school counseling program
• Pursue continuous professional growth to stay abreast of the field
• Promote an understanding and appreciation of diverse populations and cultures
• Monitor and advise students and their parents as to progress toward graduation
• Prepare students for the transition to high school
• Conduct structured goal-oriented counseling sessions in systematic response to identified needs of groups of children
• Interpret tests, student data, and other assessment results appropriately in the counseling environment
• Provide information and skills to parents, school staff, administration and the community to assist them in helping students in academic, career and social development
• Assist parents in addressing school related problems and issues
• Promote the liaison and coordination of school activities and resources and communicate between and among home, school, community agencies and business and industry
• Perform other related duties as required and/or assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Adhere to the ethical standards of state and national school counselor associations
• Adhere to preferred practices prescribed by state and national school counselor associations
• Demonstrate knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to school counseling
• Demonstrate personal growth and professional development
• Ability to cooperate with staff, parents/guardians, administration and community resource people
• Demonstrate effective communication skills
• Ability to develop rapport with students and parents
• Ability to analyze or offer problem-solving techniques
• Ability and skill to empathize and understand students' concerns
• Patience

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Hold a master's degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university
• Combinations of applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position, will determine salary

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Required to attend school meetings, programs and activities outside the instructional day as needed

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)
• Maine DOE Certificate with 075 Endorsement (School Counselor) (more info)

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: School Principal
• Contract: Part of PEA union (see 2025-2028 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

ABOUT MOORE:

Lyman Moore Middle School is one of three middle schools serving the diverse and amazing student population in Portland. At Moore we believe that each individual brings skills, talents, and gifts to our community. When we learn to put these skills, talents, and gifts together we are able to accomplish more as a community. So, you are Moore, and we are MOORE TOGETHER.

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Welcome to ATX Learning

Maine's largest school system has 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools serving nearly 7,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12, as well as about 4,700 adult learners.

The district takes full advantage of its location in a vibrant city with a thriving arts life. Schools draw on the resources offered by museums, theaters, local businesses and the city's colleges and universities.

Portland has a highly trained teaching staff. Many teachers hold advanced degrees. All of the district's teachers continue their education by pursuing professional development activities on a regular basis.

The district provides technology to support instruction, including laptops for each student in grades seven through 12 and wireless access at all schools.

Volunteers, parent-teacher organizations and businesses donate generously of their time and money to the district - an estimated 100,000 hours per year.

Graduates of the Portland Public Schools attend the country's top colleges and universities. See www.portlandschools.org for colleges attended by recent graduates.

The Portland Public Schools gives parents an array of program choices. The district as one of the first in the country to offer project-based Expeditionary Learning from kindergarten through 12th grade.

High school students have access to one of the broadest selections of Advanced Placement courses in Maine. Qualified high school students may take up to two college courses with tuition paid by the state. A regional arts and technology high school provides hands-on courses in growth fields such as health care, robotics and "green" construction.

More than 60 languages are spoken by students attending the Portland Public Schools. Multilingual students represent about a quarter of the district's enrollment. The district's diversity prepares all students for their roles as world citizens.

Portland residents can pursue lifelong learning and professional success through the academic, jobs skills and enrichment courses offered by Portland Adult Education.

Most of Portland's middle and high school students participate actively in co-curricular activities such as athletics, drama, music and service clubs. Portland students regularly excel in academic and athletic competitions at the regional, state and even national level.

See a list of recent honors, awards and recognition for the Portland Public Schools at: www.portlandschools.org. Join Portland ME Public Schools on Facebook. A focus on service learning-connecting the schools to the wider community-results in students undertaking many projects that benefit greater Portland.