MS School Counselor

Thrive Charter School is seeking a compassionate, student-centered, and highly skilled Middle School Guidance Counselor (Grades 5�8) to join our student support team. The ideal candidate will support students' academic achievement, social-emotional development, and college and career readiness while fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment.

Position Overview

The Grades 5�8 Guidance Counselor plays a critical role in supporting the academic, behavioral, and emotional well-being of middle school students. This position provides individual and group counseling, academic planning support, and crisis intervention while collaborating closely with teachers, families, and administration.

Responsibilities

Provide individual and group counseling to support students' academic, social, and emotional development Support students with conflict resolution, peer relationships, and decision-making skills Assist students with academic planning, organization, and goal setting Monitor student attendance, behavior, and academic progress to provide targeted interventions Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to support student success Participate in MTSS/RTI processes and student support team meetings Provide crisis intervention and support when needed Develop and implement social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons and initiatives Support college and career awareness activities appropriate for middle school students Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with school and state guidelines Coordinate referrals to outside services when appropriate Qualifications Master's degree in School Counseling or related field (required) NJDOE certification as a School Counselor (or eligibility for certification) required Experience working with middle school-aged students preferred Strong understanding of adolescent development and social-emotional learning Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff Preferred Qualifications Experience in a diverse or urban school setting Training in trauma-informed practices or restorative approaches Experience supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities Commitment to student advocacy and equity Compensation & Benefits $62,000 Health, dental, and retirement benefits (as applicable) Professional development opportunities Supportive and collaborative school environment focused on student well-being