AMERICAN LEARNING SYSTEMS

JOB TITLE 

Lower School Counselor

DIVISION /DEPARTMENT 

Guidance

LOCATION 

Broward

REPORTS TO 

Principal

EXEMPTION STATUS

Exempt

DATE 

Rev. February 2024

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Lower School Counselor will create a positive school climate that is welcoming and safe. Promote the American Heritage Schools’ values, beliefs, and acceptable behavior. Encourage cooperation between home 

 (parents/caregivers), school (educators), and community. 

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Collaborate with the administration to develop a school-wide behavior code of conduct and counseling program. 

• Provide counseling and triage to students who have disciplinary problems including crisis counseling and assessment for self-harm or suicidal ideation, and/or as determined by the administration.

• Identify and address students’ needs, make recommendations, and provide referrals to outside mental health professionals.

• Work collaboratively with the Principals, Dean of Students, Nursing staff, and administration to identify and resolve student issues and/or needs.

• Provide individual short-term, solution-focused counseling to students, as determined by the principal and administration. 

• Advocate for students at teacher-parent meetings

• Meet with families to provide support and referrals

• Implement a Psychoeducational Approach

  • Viewing the student in educational terms

• Use the Social Learning Theory

  • Using techniques such as modeling behavior, behavior rehearsal, social stories & social reinforcement

  • Modeling appropriate behavior, behavior and situational rehearsal and social reinforcement

  • Enhance students learning and overall experience at school

  • Support teachers and administrators to allow for the most successful learning environment

• Use Cooperative Learning and Conflict-Management 

  • Identify and address student’s concerns and successful participation in learning

  • Address students real-life concerns and encourage active participation and engagement in learning

• Lower School Heritage

  • Develop and implement a Character Education program that supports the values of American Heritage School, including Integrity, Compassion, and Knowledge. 

  • Perform observations to identify student needs and make appropriate recommendations

  • Provide teachers and assistants with suggestions, support, and professional development for effective classroom management.

  • Interpret cognitive, aptitude, and achievement tests

  • Administer small group social skills groups (Lunch-Bunch) to promote friendship & inclusion. 

  • Attend and participate in grade-level and administrative meetings

  • Individual student academic program planning using a proactive and comprehensive approach (IEP, 504)

  • Review all Psych/Ed reports 

    • Write accommodations according to the Psychologist’s recommendations and school rubric. 

    • Meet with teachers & families to review accommodations and individual educational plans.

SECONDARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provide suggestions for effective classroom management 

• Encourage and support the Mindful Minutes SEL videos for Junior High

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE 

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed School Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Licensed School Psychologist

• Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, Clinical Social Work, or School Psychology preferred

• Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or Counseling is helpful

• Knowledge of and experience with child/adolescent neurological and developmental disorders (ADHD, ODD, Learning Disabilities, Social Pragmatic Disorders) in addition to experience with Divorce, Death & Diversity

SKILLS & ABILITIES 

• Ability to communicate in an eloquently and positive manner

• Must be able to effectively multi-task

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administration, students, staff, families, and the community. (systemic approach)

• Highly organized

• Flexibility 

• Active listening skills and effective communication

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Office/ classrooms

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

BENEFITS

• 100% free tuition for all employees’ eligible children *

• 50% discount for Summer Education for employees’ eligible children

• Free Summer Day Camp for employees’ eligible children while working over the summer.

• Free early care & after-care for employees’ eligible children while working

• Yearly cash bonuses 

• 401K with partial employer match after a year of employment

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance 

• Supplemental Insurance plans available through Lincoln Financial 

• Pet Insurance options

• Short-term & Long-term Disability options

• Life Insurance at no cost to the employee

• Affordable Company housing when available

* This benefit is based on space availability and child acceptance to the school.

OTHER