Counselor Jobs in Massachusetts

Position: Extended Term Substitute, Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor

Available October 2026 through January 2027

Cambridge Street Upper School/Office of Student Services

Cambridge Street Upper School Community:

The Cambridge Street Upper School (CSUS) was founded in 2012 as a middle school serving grades 6-8. CSUS endeavors to develop and sustain a vibrant and high-functioning teaching and learning community that values social justice, affirms cultural identity, and promotes academic excellence for all. CSUS actively aspires to become a culturally proficient school that reflects equity and inclusion and affirms the rich cultural and racial diversity of our student body and their families. We are committed to challenging the opportunity gap and providing academic excellence for all.

The Cambridge Street Upper School is an innovative public middle school in the Cambridge Public School District. We are looking for a dynamic, committed teacher with strong content and pedagogical knowledge, solid classroom management skills, a deep commitment to social justice and anti-racism, and experience working in an urban school setting.

The Office of Student Services (OSS):

The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a variety of support and services to students in Cambridge Public Schools (CPS). Our programs are dedicated to ensuring equitable access and success for students with disabilities and students who have advanced learning needs.

The Role:

The ETS School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor reports directly to the Director and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. Key responsibilities include:

• Demonstrate knowledge of theories of psychopathology and of individual, group, and family dynamics and interventions
• Demonstrate competence in understanding the psychology of learning, learning disorders, and the effects of disabilities on learning
• Assess behavior, including interpretation of testing, knowledge of diagnosis and treatment planning
• Demonstrate skills and techniques of consultation, referral, collaboration, crisis intervention and working with interdisciplinary teams
• Provide preventive interventions to deal with emotional issues impacting on student’s academic achievement, e.g. sexuality, drug and alcohol use, violence, physical abuse
• Demonstrate knowledge of federal and state laws related to schools, services to students, child abuse, and custody. Understand the implications of liability and requirements of due process
• Communicate in a clear, direct, and responsive manner to the needs of students and families within the school community
• Provide clinical services that enable students and families to identify and change behaviors that interfere with students' academic, emotional, and social performance
• Ensure equity for all students and families and value diversity of school environment and community
• Develop Individualized Education Programs and SMART goals related to mental health needs for students based on various types of data specific to the student's present levels of functioning
• Progress monitor student mastery of IEP goals and objectives using various assessments and data collection tools
• Engage in professional development activities and remain current on research
• Adhere to professional and ethical standards of professional behavior that contribute to addressing the needs of students and families
• Other duties as assigned

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming ETS Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college/university.
• Preferred MA License (certification): DESE School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor and LCSW, LICSW or LMHC
• Knowledge of and experience working with students with social, language, and behavioral deficits.
• Strong working knowledge of behavioral principles.
• Experience working in a public school setting is preferred.

How to Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.