Great Hearts Academies·Peoria, Arizona
The School Counselor is responsible for planning and overseeing counseling services, including conducting therapy for general and special education students. They also provide crisis support, act as a liaison for social and emotional needs, and collaborate with staff and families to ensure student safety.
School Counselor/Social Worker Department: SPT - Guidance & Counseling Location: Academy Reports To: Headmaster EEO Classification: Professional FLSA Status: Exempt Compensation Type: Salaried Compensation Amount: $XX,000-$XX,000
The core responsibilities of the School Counselor) are (a) planning and oversight of the school counseling services provided; (b) managing and conducting therapy with IEP & 504 students with counseling on their plans; (c) managing and conducting therapy with general education students with counseling on their plans; (d) crisis support as needed and (e) to act as a liaison for students with social & emotional needs.
General Education Support Providing re-occurring direct and group school-based counseling to general education students returning and newly identified through a referral process. As the counseling is school based it is limited in scope and duration. Responding to and providing limited-scope direct and group crisis counseling to students and staff in an emergency situation. On an on-call basis, responding to students experiencing active suicidal and/or homicidal ideation and threats and acute psychosis. Collaborating with families, academy administration and staff to develop a plan in response to student's' needs and psychiatric presentation to ensure safety for involved individuals. Consulting with families, Great Hearts and Academy administrative staff in assessing threat and risk to self and others. Providing students, families and staff referral information for local and community agencies where continued and long-term support may be obtained. Special Education Support Providing direct personal and group counseling and consultative services to students with IEPs in the school environment, assisting general education staff in the implementation of behavioral accommodations and behavior plans. Developing a schedule for the planned counseling sessions for each of the assigned schools. These schools will be mainly located in the west valley, and perhaps in the north part of town. Ongoing communication and collaboration with parents, staff, and administrative staff regarding student planning and progress. Attending applicable IEP and special education evaluation meetings and completing relevant portions of the special education paperwork and quarterly progress reports." Required/Preferred Education: Master's degree in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, educational psychology, school psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy OR the equivalent Required/Preferred Experience: Preferred experience in crisis counseling, safety/threat assessment, and school-based counseling. Specialized training and experience in working with students with disabilities is also ideal. Required/Preferred Skills: Certifications: LMSW, LCSW, MFT, LPC, or the equivalent Physical Functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements. Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field such as counseling, clinical, or school psychology, or social work. Professional certification such as LMSW, LCSW, MFT, or LPC is required, along with experience in crisis counseling and threat assessment.
Market context
Arizona K-12 school counselor roles are typically driven by student mental health, attendance, and crisis-support needs, so districts often look for candidates who can handle both routine guidance and urgent interventions. These openings can be competitive because they usually require a master’s degree, a relevant professional license or certification, and experience in crisis counseling and threat assessment. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your application to show direct school-based counseling and safety experience.