The community of Otter Valley Union Middle and High School in Brandon, Vermont and the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union seek a creative and dynamic individual to fill a long term school counselor position beginning August and with an expected completion date of late October 2026. The position may be continued beyond this date depending on the availability of the candidate and the needs of the department.The primary goal of the School Counselor is to design and deliver a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model and Vermont Agency of Education expectations to promote and enhance student learning through academic, career, and social-emotional development. The School Counselor utilizes a variety of strategies, activities, delivery methods, and resources within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure equitable access to support and services for all students.Otter Valley is able to consider a variety of experiences and backgrounds in the realm of student support and mental health for this role, and encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Implement systems for SEL instruction aligned with ASCA Mindsets & BehaviorsSupport problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, and study skills for students that are seeking supportProvide short-term individual and small-group counseling addressing: Self-image and self-esteemTools for self-regulationPersonal adjustment and family concernsInterpersonal skillsAcademic development and learning behaviorsBehavior supports, peer facilitation, mediation, and restorative conversationsProvide assessment- and data-informed supports by helping students identify their skills, abilities, challenges, and strengths, and by developing strategies to build regulation and coping skills through counseling activities.Collaborate with MTSS/EST teams to support Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III interventions and monitor student progress.Work with specialized populations, including culturally diverse learners and students with varying abilities, ensuring equitable access to counseling services.Develop students career awareness as a lifelong process of forming values, attitudes, and interests regarding future education and work.Coordinate school, family, community, and business resources to support students academic and social-emotional growth.Provide consultation and collaboration with teachers, administrators, school psychologists, school social workers, and outside agencies regarding student welfare.Communicate and exchange information with parents/guardians by way of conferences, parent education workshops, and newsletters.Other duties as assigned by building principalQUALIFICATIONSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential dutysatisfactorily, in addition to the following: Masters Degree in School Counseling or its equivalentKnowledge of the Basic Program Components of Vermont Guidance Services K-12, issued by the State Department of Education. Meets the American School Counselor Associations National Standards for School CounselorsValid Vermont Professional Educators License Guidance Counselor endorsementInterested candidates are encouraged to apply via schoolspring.com to: Michael RuppelPrincipal
