Intervention Counselor Frequently Asked Questions
What is an intervention counselor?
Intervention Counselors are case managers that work with a smaller caseload of students, their teachers and families. Every student has an academic counselor, but not every student at Berkeley High has an intervention counselor. The average caseload for an academic counselor is 1:450 students, compared to the average caseload of an intervention counselor is 1:95 students. The students are selected by the middle school teachers and counselors during the transition to high school to receive this extra resource. Intervention Counselors provide academic and therapeutic services and coordinate services with the academic counselors, teachers and families.
What is a focal student?
Focal students are selected by the middle school teachers and counselors during the transition to high school to receive extra support during the transition from 8th to 9th grade.
What is the caseload for the intervention counselor?
Each intervention counselor carries a caseload of 95 students.
What is the educational background of the intervention counselors?
Intervention counselors hold a Pupil Personnel Services Credential as well as a masters degree in a therapeutic field i.e: Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, Masters in Social Work or a Masters in Counseling.
Can a student be changed to a focal student or added to an intervention counselor caseload?
Unfortunately students are determined “focal” in 8th grade before starting at BHS. The caseloads are set and capped at 95 so consistent and quality services can be provided. Though there are a number of other resources at Berkeley High including the health center, college and career center and academic guidance counselors.
How do the intervention counselors work?
The services provided by the intervention counselors are student based and student directed, meaning that their frequency will be determined by what each student is requesting/ needing. Some students request quarterly check ins, while others may prefer weekly. Students are pulled out of class, with prior permission from teachers, and counselors do their best to meet the students needs in a timely fashion that gets them back to class with minimal disruption.
What services do intervention counselors provide?
Intervention counselors provide direct, group, coordination, consultation and home support services. Direct services can take the form of academic check ins, mental health therapy as needed, in classroom support, observations, crisis management and much more. Therapeutic groups are offered for a number of topics throughout the school year . The intervention counselors also take students on field trips. We aim that every student is offered the opportunity to go on either a college tour or career exploration field trip. The field trips change every year based on our student’s interests. We coordinate with teachers, administrators, counselors and other school staff on behalf of the student. And stay connected with our students home community via mail, phone and in person meetings.
Where do the intervention counselors work?
Ms Malhi and Ms. Jessie are located in H104 in the H building in the newly renamed Student Support Center. Ms Nashwa can be found in G202G.
How can I get in touch with my intervention counselor?
The best way to reach us is via email or telephone.
Ms. Malhi- Jasdeepmalhi@berkeley.net /510-644-8984
Ms. Nashwa- Nashwaemam@berkeley.net /510-644-6124
Ms. Jessie- Jessicalevin@berkeley.net /510-644-6208
Newsletters
2019 Semester 2 Intervention Counselor Newsletter
2018-19 Semester 1 Intervention Counselor Newsletter
2017-2018 Semester 1 Intervention Counselor Newsletter