Job Description
Job Description
Who We Are
At MAB Community Services, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with acquired or traumatic brain injuries to achieve meaningful employment and community involvement. We believe in fostering independence and enhancing quality of life through tailored support and resources.
The Ivy Street School is a small year-round private residential special education school committed to advancing equity and access for young people living with disabilities. We serve neurodiverse adolescents ages 13-22. We support the whole child through a student-first model that is driven by collaboration, a willingness to think big, and a commitment to knowing our students well.
We believe that every student is exceptional, and at Ivy Street, we work tirelessly to create the educational and therapeutic conditions for our students to thrive. As a community, we are focused on the immediate needs of our scholars with an unwavering eye on their future needs and the concrete plans to achieve them. Our multidisciplinary team works to create rich and meaningful experiences that will nurture learning and prepare our students for their transition into adulthood and independent living. While our classrooms have four walls, we consider Boston our second classroom, and our students are often making meaning and deepening learning throughout the city.
The Position
At Ivy Street School, employees work in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment that fosters growth and learning. Education Counselors collaborate closely with a team that includes Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Special Education Teachers, and Nurses, receiving career guidance and mentorship. We are seeking a creative, empathic, and adaptable Education Counselor passionate about supporting young people and eager to engage in professional development within the human services field.
Our school operates with a trauma-informed care approach (ARC model) and uses Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) along with Restorative Justice practices to promote positive behavior development and personal growth. We are also committed to deepening our anti-racism efforts and invite candidates who share this commitment. The Education Counselor plays a key role in collaborating with the classroom team to support student progress through implementing IEP goals and therapeutic interventions.
Education Counselors help students strengthen the skills needed for greater independence in education, career, and personal development. Working in classrooms with 6-8 students, alongside a multidisciplinary team, the role involves supporting learning, life skills, and emotional regulation while implementing therapeutic frameworks and participating in individualized treatment interventions. The core focus is on driving outcomes and empowering young people to develop the tools they need for a successful transition to adult life.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Electives and Trips: Organize and lead electives and off-campus trips to help students build practical and social skills in real-world settings.
- Residential Support: Support students in morning routines, including wakeups and breakfast, especially for those in residential programs. Help build students’ independence and daily life skills.
- Therapeutic Frameworks: Utilize frameworks such as CPI, PBIS, and the ARC model of Trauma-Informed Care to help students manage daily stressors and behavior challenges.
- Engagement and Relationship Building: Actively engage with students during daily lessons and activities, making learning enjoyable. Focus on strengthening relationships and supporting students in building skills and achieving academic success.
- Individualized Support: Provide one-on-one assistance in and out of the classroom, ensuring familiarity with each student’s IEP goals and working toward their progress.
- Crisis Intervention: Participate in crisis intervention as necessary, ensuring student safety and well-being.
- Positive Relationships with Families: Develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with students' families, communicating effectively about progress and needs.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with the classroom team on treatment planning and interdisciplinary collaboration, providing insights on student progress and interventions.
- Documentation: Complete necessary documentation, including daily student progress summaries, incident reports, and communication with families.
- Substitute for Teacher: Step in as a substitute for the teacher when they are absent or on vacation.
- Believe that every student has the agency to build a life that brings them joy. Help them build the skills that will help them achieve it!
Qualifications
- H.S. diploma/GED required. B.A. or B.S. in Special Education, Social Work, Education, Psychology, or related field preferred.
- Previous experience in a similar role is preferred but not required
- A valid driver’s license.
- CPI, CPR and First Aid certifications required (offered upon hire).
- A background check, drug, and alcohol test will be performed prior to start.
Job Type: Full time
Schedule: Monday – Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Location: Ivy Street School
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b), generous earned time package and more!
Join us at Ivy Street School for the opportunity to work, learn, and grow alongside an expert multidisciplinary team and make a lasting impact in the lives of young people with disabilities!