School Counselor

Description The Academy’s School Counselor utilizes leadership, advocacy and collaboration to promote students’ success, provide preventative services and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career and personal /Social development for all students.

The counselor will consult and collaborate effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs. Position-Specific Responsibilities: Provide high quality support that aligns with the Academy’s educational vision and mission.

Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to students with identified concerns and needs. Coordinate ongoing systemic activities designed to assist students in establishing personal goals and developing future plans. Provide indirect services on behalf of students as a result of the school counselors’ interactions with others including referrals for additional assistance, consultation and collaboration with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations.

Use available technology/community resources to enhance school counseling program. Implement an effective referral and follow up process Teach or co-teach classroom lessons on social-emotional learning, academic success, etc. Identify cases involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting students’ development Provide assistance with conflict resolution and crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at school or home.

Encourage parents/students to seek additional assistance from outside mental health agencies, when necessary. Observe and evaluate student’s performance, classroom behavior, social development and physical health. Active member of the Academy’s Crisis and MERT teams, PBIS Team, and Lighthouse Team Provide professional development to school staff and/or parents on mental health, SEL, etc.

Assist middle school teachers and students with the completion of the Education Development Plan (EDP) Act as the Academy’s 504 Coordinator Work with students and their parents/guardians who are identified as truant or chronically absent Adhere to preferred practices prescribed by state and national school counselor associations.

Demonstrate knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to school counseling. Demonstrate personal growth and professional development.

Requirements

Hold a School Guidance Counselor License issued by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Hold a Master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university. Ability to effectively interact, collaborate, and communicate both orally and in writing with administration, staff, parents and students Satisfactory criminal background check and unprofessional conduct check as required by School Safety Legislation.

Demonstrated high-level of organizational skills and ability to successfully manage and coordinate a number of projects and tasks. Ability to write reports requiring meaningful interpretation of data, technical precision and accuracy. Ability to work flexibly and cooperatively.