School Adjustment Counselor

by | Jun 15, 2025 | Professions

Profession Overview

Official Job Title

School Adjustment Counselor

(also called a School Social Worker)

General Job Description

Provides mental health counseling and behavioral support for students who are dealing with strong emotions, stress, or mental health challenges. This might include helping students understand their feelings, learn new ways to cope, or stay focused in class. The goal is to make sure students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Licensed?

Yes

Min. education

Masters

Reports to

Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services / Special Education, Director of Student Services

Advancement

Yes

Salary range

$55k - $154k

Interesting fact

School adjustment counselors and social workers are often the first to support students dealing with a recent trauma

Job Requirements

Skills and comeptencies

Clinical assessment, trauma-informed care, family systems understanding, collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and behavioral data analysis

Major duties and responsibilities

  • Provide direct mental health services and crisis intervention

  • Develop and implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs)

  • Participate in IEP and 504 plan development

  • Engage families in treatment planning and referrals

Minor duties and responsibilities

  • Coordinate community-based services

  • Track student progress and maintain documentation

  • Provide professional development or consultation to school staff

  • Collaborate with outside clinical providers

FUN FACT

A study of Massachusetts districts found that schools in higher-need communities (those with more low-income, non-English-speaking, or minority students) have significantly fewer school adjustment counselors and social workers than better-resourced districts.

This disparity means kids who need support most often have the least access to it, highlighting the importance of these professionals in promoting equity.

Educational requirements

  • Entry-level: Master’s in Social Work (MSW) or Counseling Psychology, with at least 900 supervised hours (450 in a school setting)
  • Advancement: May pursue LCSW, LICSW, LMHC, or LMFT credentials in addition to the DESE professional license

Licensure requirements

License name: School Adjustment Counselor / School Social Worker (Professional Support Personnel license)

Licensure levels:

  • Initial – fhold a master’s degree in either Social Work or Counseling, complete coursework and clinical experience that align with the state’s subject matter knowledge guidelines, and successfully finish a 900-hour practicum (at least 450 of which must be in an educational setting working directly with children, adolescents, and families). Additionally, candidates must pass the Massachusetts Communication and Literacy Skills test.
  • Professional – hold the Initial License and have completed three years of employment as a school social worker or school adjustment counselor. They must also either earn a total of 60 graduate credits in a relevant discipline (including credits from their master’s degree) or maintain a clinical license or certification through either the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Work (LCSW or LICSW) or the Massachusetts Board of Allied Mental Health Professionals (LMHC, LMFT, or LRC).

Licensing body

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

References