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School Counselor - Straus Family Pavilion & Executive Drive Preschool in New Windsor NY

Description

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services— are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Who we Need

Abilities First is seeking a School Counselor for our school & preschool programs in New Windsor. This position will provide counseling services to designated students within the school program and parent training in accordance with each student's individual education plan. The school Counselor will work with the behavior team to provide clinical recommendations based on the student's individual education or behavior intervention plans.

Schedule –Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, 32.5 hours a week

Annual Salary - $57,000.00 - $58,000.00

Position Standards

+ Provide mandated counseling to assigned caseload in accordance with each student’s individual education plan.

+ Provide parent training in accordance with each student’s individual education plan as well provide weekly parent education/support groups as part of our Caregiver Stress and Support program.

+ Attend annual, triennial and program review CSE meetings to provide counseling progress updates.

+ Submit timely quarterly progress reports and annual review reports for mandated students receiving counseling services.

+ Serve as a member of the behavior support team and provide clinical recommendations based on student’s individual education plan or behavior intervention plan.

+ Collaborate with classroom staff, therapists and families on best strategies to support the social emotional needs of students in our school program.

+ Record student counseling attendance in IEP direct and maintain weekly sessions in a secure file.

+ Serve as a member of the PBIS Committee.

+ Attends and participates in school, parent, and agency meetings as requested.

+ Collaborates with the CSE team (special education teacher, therapists, behavior team, and parents) to develop transition activities that aligned with student abilities and long-term goals.

+ Adheres to the suggested timeline for transition planning calendar from the Mid-Hudson RSE TASC.

+ Complete periodic vocational assessments for students at least annually from 12-21.

+ Identify which diploma or credential students are working towards and align transition activities to that outcome for all students 14-17.

+ Connect with ACCESS-VR and OPW-DD to assist families with outside services for students entering adulthood.

+ Cultivates community-based internships and employment opportunities using transition suggested resources.

+ Develop and update all transitions section of the IEP (PLP, goals, coordinated set of activities etc.) for all students 14-21 annually and as needed.

+ Collaborate with AFI School to work program to connect job coaches, employment sites, and transportation for recommended students.

+ Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.

+ Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.

+ Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

+ Will incorporate CORE concepts of CQL’s person-centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly and will use “teachable moments” to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.

Perks & Benefits:

+ Time to Recharge – Personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar

+ Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered

+ Plan for The Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer-paid life insurance

+ Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)

+ Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day

+ Exclusive Extras – Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.

Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

+ Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, bend the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).

+ Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.

+ Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.

+ Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.

+ Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver individuals in wheelchairs.

+ Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

Requirements

+ MSW or LMSW with five years’ experience working with children and adolescents with developmental disabilities; or a master’s degree in a related field with NYS School Counseling certification.

+ Knowledge of community and state level organizations.

+ Counseling experience with developmentally disabled adolescents and family training experience. School district systems experience is helpful.

+ Experience in transition services preferred.

+ Must have a current NYS driver’s license, free of moving violations; deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.