School Counselor (Social and Emotional) - Lynn, MA (2024-2025) - KIPP Massachusetts Public Charter Schools

Our Mission

The mission of all of KIPP Massachusetts schools is to create an environment where students develop the academic skills, intellectual habits and character traits necessary to maximize their potential in high school, college and the world beyond. Our program is based on:

• A focus on high-quality instruction supported by rigorous professional development to ensure that our students develop the academic skills necessary to pursue the life they choose.
• A high regard for character development to ensure that our students and staff celebrate and develop their character and identity strengths.
• An emphasis on family engagement, because we believe that our students are most likely to be able to maximize their potential when we work in partnership with our students and their families.
• A focus on college readiness for all students so that all students can make choices about their post-secondary education and future.

What We Do

We seek to provide a world-class education for students from educationally underserved communities in Lynn and Boston. Our student demographics mirror those of neighborhood schools in terms of race, socioeconomic status, Multilingual Learners (MLL), and students who receive special education services.

Our promise to families is that their children will enter college and the professional world able to thrive academically due to their literacy, numeracy, and core knowledge in science and social studies. We also promise that our students will develop the zest for learning and grit necessary to persevere as they climb the mountain to and through college and career. Our graduates will be prepared to return to their community as teachers, leaders, and architects of continued growth in Lynn and Boston.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Vision

At KIPP Massachusetts, we believe that Knowledge is Power. Every day, our team and family have the opportunity to either perpetuate systems of oppression or disrupt them. We are compelled by the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Therefore, we continuously commit to operating as an anti-racist organization.  Read more at Diversity Equity Inclusivity Vision.

Who We Are

KIPP Massachusetts began enrolling students in 2004. We currently hold two charters, operating two “districts.” Our first district, KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School, is based in Lynn, MA.  Our second district, KIPP Academy Boston Charter School, is based in Mattapan, MA. Each district is housed on one or more “campuses,” which we use to refer to different grade spans, for example, elementary grades, middle school grades, or high school grades.

In Lynn, KIPP Academy Lynn Elementary (serving grades K-4), KIPP Academy Lynn Middle (serving grades 5-8), and KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate (serving grades 9-12), are all under our Lynn charter.  Admission to any grade in the Lynn district is admission to all remaining grades in the Lynn district K-12. 66% of our students in Lynn are Hispanic, 23% are African American and 11% are other races/ethnicities.

In Boston, KIPP Academy Boston Elementary (serving grades K-4), and KIPP Academy Boston (serving grades 5-8), are both under our Boston charter.  Admission to any grade in the Boston district is admission to all remaining grades in the Boston district, K-8. 68% of our students in Boston are African American, 30% are Hispanic and 2% are other races/ethnicities.

Across both districts, KIPP Massachusetts serves over 2,200 students.

KIPP National

KIPP Massachusetts partners with the KIPP Foundation, or KIPP National, which is a non-profit national network of college-preparatory public charter schools serving elementary, middle and high school students.  KIPP National has a 25-year track record of preparing our students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life.

There are 242 KIPP schools in 20 states plus the District of Columbia educating over 100,000 students on their path to and through college and career.  We believe that excellent academic, safe and structured schools, empowered teachers, an emphasis on character development and support through college are the foundation for student success, and we strive to provide this for every student.

All KIPP schools, whether they are in Massachusetts or in other states, are part of the free public school system in their respective states and enrollment is open to all students.  KIPP public charter schools are given more academic and budgetary flexibility than traditional public schools, and in exchange commit to deliver high-quality academic results for students.

School Counselor (Social and Emotional)

At KIPP MA, we believe our students’ character and emotional growth is inextricably linked to their academic progress. Our school counselors play a vital role in shaping the culture of our schools and helping students lead a life of impact and choice. School counselors are responsible for supporting the emotional, social, academic, and character growth and well-being of KIPP MA students and families. Counselors are an integral part of the KIPP team working to ensure our students succeed in school and go on to lead self-sufficient, successful, and happy lives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage aspects of the referral process for social services, partnerships, and special education services, including:

• Provide support and documentation for all students with IEPs
• Meet regularly with students who have mandated counseling on their IEPs
• Conduct regular assessments of current and emerging student and family needs
• Develop and maintain partnerships with external agencies
• Refer individuals and families to external resources and services and collaborating with said services

• Consult with the school’s Student Response Teams to develop comprehensive supports and interventions to students who are presenting challenging behaviors.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues, and respond to family concerns promptly and effectively.

• Participate actively in team meetings, school-wide activities, professional development, and other events.

• Directly support the students’ social and emotional health to ensure their well-being and safety.
• Communicate with proper support staff about student behavior, attendance, and other possible challenges, and support Principal, Deans, and teachers when discipline issues arise.

• Provide recommendations to the staff and leadership team around approaches to working with struggling students.
• Establish a professional rapport and strong relationship with students, staff, and families.

• Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and confidentiality when working with students, parents, and staff.

School and Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in school-wide and individual professional development, including pre-service training over the summer and weekly during the academic year
• Take ownership for the development of your craft and seek feedback from your coach (meet 1x/1-2 weeks with coach, implement feedback, engage in co-planning and active practices, participate in live coaching, etc.)
• Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) coverage, bus, lunch, and dismissal duties
• Develop strong relationships with families through participating in school events and consistent phone calls home
• Be willing to offer support and receive constructive feedback from colleagues in order to create a professional working atmosphere that is conducive to accountability, change, and improvement
• Collaborate with grade level and content teams to tackle common challenges and implement grade-wide systems, sharing responsibility for all students
• Dependable attendance according to our school calendar
• Obtain appropriate licensure within a year of hire

Regional Responsibilities

• Embody KIPP MA’s Code of Conduct by acting with integrity, leading with humanity, centering self-awareness and critical consciousness, taking personal responsibility, and engaging productively
• Participate and engage in regional professional development and community events as required

KIPP MA staff are supported in their demanding work by experienced and dedicated leadership and staff who have themselves proven successful in the teaching role. Our leaders maintain consistent school-wide systems and procedures - academic, behavioral, cultural, logistical - designed to permit staff to do their best work. 

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, there will occasionally be other duties as assigned that staff will engage in to help promote a positive and safe learning environment and culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Love and unwavering belief in the high potential of all students
• Commitment to anti-racism and equity
• MSW or Master’s degree in counseling-related discipline (required)
• Experience working within a school environment or extensive work with children or young adults
• Experience in therapeutic modalities related to children and families in traditionally underserved communities, including assessment and treatment of trauma.  
• A strong work ethic, extensive knowledge of child and adolescent development, and a documented track record of personal and professional success
• Oral and written proficiency in Spanish or Haitian Creole are highly preferred
• KIPP MA requires that all staff be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine (or approved by KIPP MA for an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief). 
• Pass Criminal Background Checks
• Spanish fluency is preferred 

KIPP MA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables all of our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. We hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

What we offer

The starting base salary for this exempt position is $58,000 (per 1.0 FTE) with a $1,000 signing bonus—and $2,000 retention and $3,000 longevity bonuses in subsequent years. For more about what we offer, how to apply and more about KIPP MA, please visit this link HERE.

Application process

Internal candidates: If you are currently a member of the KIPP MA team, please apply by emailing your resume to the Recruitment Team at Talent@kippma.org.  Be sure to indicate to which position you wish to apply.     

External candidates: If you do not currently work for the KIPP MA team, please visit our job board at https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/KIPP/massachusetts and complete an online application.

1. The KIPP MA Recruitment Team will select candidates to move forward to the video/phone screen interview stage.
2. Following the phone interview, the KIPP MA team will invite qualified candidates to interview with KIPP MA School or Regional Office Teams.