School Counselor

School Counselor

• Provide one-on-one and group counseling to students in the areas such as social/ emotional learning, self-awareness and self-esteem, problem-solving and conflict resolution, academic support, and career exploration. Proactively and in response to needs assessments and/or referral from students, staff, or families, provide individual and small group counseling to address students’ academic and social-emotional needs; collect pre/post-test data where appropriate. Work collaboratively with students and staff and strictly adhere to NCS policies. Recognize and provide guidance and resources to students and families during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change, or other situations that impede a student’s success. Engage, share strategies, and collaborate effectively with families, teachers, administrators, and other educational/community resources to support student achievement and educational opportunities. Implement, execute, and document an effective referral and follow-up process and report cases of apparent abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities/agencies. Support New to Neuse families in their transition, including providing tours and information. Assist the Assistant Academy Director with Cougar Camps as requested. Utilize effective assessment procedures for determining and delivering one-on-one and group counseling services to students. Identify and maintain relevant and current resources for students, families, and staff, and provide referrals for students and families to community resources for additional assistance and information. Adhere to the legal and ethical responsibilities of the role, including legal and ethical principles of working with minor students in an academic setting. Maintain accurate records providing information as required by NCS policy and applicable laws/regulations. Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with the changing and challenging needs of students. Provide additional direct and indirect support based on the changing needs of students and staff. Work with the other School Counselor(s) and the Student Government Association to plan and promote Red Ribbon Week. Coordinate and deliver informational sessions and workshops for students, families, and staff. Provide Testing Support to the Testing Coordinator as requested. Assist with Graduation Week as requested. Work with the Leadership Team for accreditation information as needed. Promptly respond to all communication within 2 business days. Additional duties may be assigned by school leadership as needed. 504
• Coordinator: Serve as 504 Plan Coordinator for K-12. Coordinate the identification and evaluation process for students suspected of having a disability under Section 504. Gather and review educational, medical, psychological, and other relevant data to determine student eligibility. Schedule and facilitate Section 504 team meetings to develop or review plans. Disseminate updated plan information according to federal and state guidelines. Collaborate with staff, families, and service providers to develop Section 504 accommodation plans tailored to student needs. Ensure the timely implementation of 504 plans and monitor their effectiveness. Support classroom teachers and staff in implementing accommodations and modifications as required. Maintain accurate and confidential 504 records and documentation. Ensure all procedural safeguards are followed, including parent consent, notice, and grievance procedures. Prepare reports and respond to inquiries or audits from state or federal agencies. Provide professional development and training for teachers, administrators, and staff regarding 504 processes and legal obligations. Stay current on laws, regulations, and best practices related to Section 504 and disability rights in education. Work collaboratively with special education staff, nurses, and other stakeholders. Support the L.A. School Counselor with McKinney-Vento Homeless students and information.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling or related field (social work, family counseling, etc.); Master’s degree and/or related certification preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of experience working with 6-12 students in a similar capacity.
• Knowledge,
• Skills &
• Abilities: Demonstrated understanding of educational systems, legal issues, policies, research, and trends in education. Ability to apply school counseling professional standards and competencies. Demonstrated understanding of the impact of cultural, social, and environmental influences on student success and opportunities. Ability to provide guidance and advice in large-group, small-group, and one-on-one settings. Ability and willingness to collaborate effectively with students, families, teachers, administrators, and other school staff and stakeholders. Ability to identify gaps in student achievement, attendance, discipline, opportunity, and resources. Knowledge of, and ability to implement, relevant technology effectively into counseling and learning environments. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Able to support and articulate the school’s mission, goals, and objectives in a positive and inspirational manner. Manages confidential information with discretion and care, particularly as it relates to students, and in accordance with FERPA and IDEA. Relates well with all types of people, approachable, and an attentive and active listener; patient to hear others out and build rapport with dignity and tact; works collaboratively in a team environment. Able to work effectively in a deadline-driven, multi-priority environment; exhibits effective time management skills and appropriate resource management; communicates interferences and delays to supervisor. Provides accurate results that are well thought-out and complete; exhibits a high standard for excellence and attention to detail; relays information that is sufficiently detailed and promotes the desired result.
• Physical
• Requirements &
• Work
• Conditions:
• This position requires: Normal periods of sitting and standing in a classroom. Extended periods of standing and walking on the school campus. Reaching with hands and arms and operating hand-held and desktop office equipment on a regular basis. Lifting and/or pushing objects up to 20 lbs. on a regular basis. Assisting students with tasks such as eating, using the bathroom/changing diapers, and moving from one classroom to another (if applying for a Lower Academy or EC Teacher position). Assisting other staff members in lifting/moving students up to 100 lbs. on a regular basis (if applying for an EC Teacher position). Normal vision (with or without correction). Normal hearing (with or without correction). The majority of work is performed inside an office building and is temperature-controlled.