DISTRICT OVERVIEW

Holyoke Public Schools (HPS) serves 5,400 students in 11 schools and employs nearly 1500 people.  The District was placed into receivership by the State of Massachusetts in Spring 2015, due to struggling performance well below the state average. Dr. Stephen Zrike Jr., a seasoned Massachusetts educator, was selected as Receiver to lead this exciting turnaround effort, which includes significant autonomy and flexibility from the traditional school system.  Since being in receivership, the District has experienced many promising successes.  In school year 2015-16, the District saw a 7-percentage point increase in proficiency in English Language Arts and a 4-point gain in Math, and attendance rates are up across the District.  HPS has also extended the school day for students in preschool to 8th grade, expanded choice programs such as dual language and personalized learning, and offering new opportunities to students, such as computer science and many other enrichment programs. For more information about the HPS Turnaround Plan, please visit: https://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/turnaround/.

Job description:

• Aids students in course and subject selection.
• Obtains and disseminates occupational information to students and to classes studying occupations.
• Assists students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of test scores and other pertinent   data, and works with students in evolving education and occupation plans in terms of such evaluation.
• Registers students new to the school and orients them to school procedures and opportunities for learning.
• Works to prevent students from dropping out of school.
• Remains readily available to students so as to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Works with students on an individual basis in the solution of personal problems related to such problems as home and family relations, health and emotional adjustment.
• Maintains student records and protects their confidentiality.
• Makes recommendations to colleges for admissions and scholarships.
• Confers with parents whenever necessary.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least one year of full-time Guidance experience
• Commitment to ensuring academic success for all students
• Experience working in an urban setting, preferred
• Experience working with diverse student populations, preferred
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply student performance data to instructional planning and execution
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; excellent teamwork skills 
• Bilingual applicants (Spanish) strongly encouraged to apply 

Required license(s):  

• Guidance Counselor, PreK-8 or 5-12 OR
• School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor, All Levels