Chief, Student Services and School Counseling

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

This position serves as Section Chief for Student Services and provides staff supervision within the Student Services and Strategic Planning Branch (SSSP) of the Division of Student Support, Academic Enrichment, and Educational Policy. The Chief of Student Services is also the lead technical expert in School Counseling and oversees programs and initiatives that provide support to Maryland’s schools in the area of school counseling. 

The Section Chief for Student Services will provide leadership, consultation, and technical assistance to develop and implement the program of school counseling in each local education agency (LEA), aligned with coordinated student services that:

• Promote student academic success and well-being
• Enhance awareness of mental health and promotes positive, healthy behaviors
• Provide school-based prevention and universal and targeted interventions for students with mental health and behavioral concerns
• Are comprehensive in scope, preventative in design, and developmental in nature
• Are aligned with LEA goals and objectives
• Are an integral component of the school's program and mission
• Promote systemic change through the use of leadership skills, advocacy, and collaboration
• Promote student achievement
• Provide equitable access to rigorous education for all students
• Provide students with individual and group planning addressing academic, career, and social/emotional needs
• Identify the knowledge and skills all students will acquire to promote college and career readiness
• Are delivered to all students and a systemic fashion
• Address the needs of the whole child so that each student has the opportunity to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged for long-term success
• Are monitored and reviewed through accountability systems
• Are provided by a state credentialed school counselor.

This position provides leadership, direction, and fiscal and programmatic oversight for the federal Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program and supervises the lead program specialist for Title IV, Part A. This position is responsible for supervising work performed by subordinate staff and conducting performance appraisals, education program activities of the Student Services Section within the SSSP; interprets laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing assigned program areas; advises and makes recommendations to the Director and Assistant State Superintendent; participates in the development, implementation and assessment of strategies to ensure the program activities contribute to meeting strategic plan goals and objectives; participates in and leads interdisciplinary work teams and represents higher-level managers.    

EDUCATION: A Master's degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work from an accredited college or university in School Counseling or a related field.

EXPERIENCE: Five years of administrative or teaching experience in, or affiliated with, an education program, including two years proven experience in school counseling.

Notes:

1.     Two additional years of experience may be substituted for the master's degree or 36 hours of equivalent post-baccalaureate course work.

2.     Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree at an accredited college or university in a field related to the position for one year of the required experience.

3.     The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.

Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Applicants must be certified as a School Counselor

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Experience in administering Federal Grant Programs.
• Experience in supervising or leading employees to include training, and/or assigning and reviewing of work.
• Experience in developing, implementing or consulting on a strategic planning project. 

Applicants are subject to a criminal background investigation in accordance with the federal Family Law Article, Section 5.5. 

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application or mailed to the address listed.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

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