School Counselor

Adelante: Who We Are

Adelante Schools is redefining what’s possible in public education. Based in Indianapolis, we serve K–8 scholars through exceptional neighborhood schools that are academically rigorous, deeply joyful, and rooted in community. Our goal is simple and ambitious: to prepare scholars for the paths they choose, including college, leadership, and a life of impact.

We don’t just talk about great schools. We build them. That means strong academics, meaningful relationships with families, and a scholar experience that is both challenging and full of joy. Our core values of Optimism, Swing, Ownership, and Solidarity are not posters on a wall. They show up in how we work, how we lead, and how we show up for each other every day.

Job Description: As the School Counselor at Adelante, you are a core member of our Operational Safety & Wellness Crew — the team of roles that, together, ensure every scholar is safe, supported, and ready to learn. You own the Habits of Success experience across the building and the full arc of scholar planning, from daily mindsets to high school and beyond.

You will design and deliver Habits of Success instruction for the whole school, lead small groups for scholars who need additional support, and provide short-term support to scholars navigating situational concerns. You will coach teachers and leaders to embed Habits of Success in their classrooms and lead lessons directly, so character and wellbeing live in every room. You will also own High School & Beyond Planning, college and career readiness, and academic advisement — ensuring every Adelante scholar leaves with a plan, a pathway, and the mindsets to pursue it.

This role sits at the intersection of scholar support, teacher development, and academic planning. You will partner closely with the School Social Worker, School Nurse, Safety & Attendance Officer, and our external clinical partner (Adult & Child Health), as well as the Culture Team, SPED Director, and school leadership, to ensure the right support reaches the right scholar at the right time.

Specific Responsibilities:

Habits of Success Instruction and Teacher Coaching

Own and deliver the school’s Habits of Success curriculum, aligned to Adelante’s core values of Optimism, Swing, Ownership, and Solidarity.

Coach teachers and school leaders to embed Habits of Success into daily classroom routines and to lead lessons directly.

Model and co-teach Habits of Success lessons with classroom teachers; provide real-time feedback to strengthen their facilitation.

Lead staff professional development on Habits of Success, restorative practices, and positive school climate.

Small Group and Short-Term Individual Support

Design and lead small groups (e.g., friendship skills, anxiety management, grief, social skills) based on data and referrals.

Provide short-term individual counseling for scholars navigating situational concerns — grief, stress, peer conflict, transitions.

Conduct initial suicide risk screenings and support the Safety & Attendance Officer during formal threat assessments by providing clinical and social context.

Manage a scholar caseload with clean documentation, progress monitoring, and timely communication with families and teachers.

Partner with Adult & Child Health and other outside providers so in-school strategies align with outside treatment.

High School & Beyond Planning and Academic Advisement

Own the High School & Beyond Planning process — ensure every scholar has a personalized post-secondary pathway aligned to their strengths, interests, and goals.

Lead K–8 college and career readiness programming, including lessons, guest speakers, career exploration, family events, and campus connections.

Provide high school transition planning.

Support scholars and families with post-secondary exploration, application preparation, and scholarship opportunities where applicable.

MTSS, Interventions, and Crew Collaboration

Participate in and support MTSS team meetings; bring data, scholar insight, and intervention recommendations.

Design and deliver in-school interventions focused on executive functioning, academic mindsets, study skills, and behavior for learning.

Facilitate restorative conversations, peer mediations, and re-entry conferences after disciplinary events in partnership with the Culture Team.

Coordinate with the School Social Worker, School Nurse, Safety & Attendance Officer, SPED Director, and Adult & Child Health on scholars with multi-domain needs.

Refer to the Social Worker for family, housing, or community-barrier needs; refer to Adult & Child Health for clinical mental health needs beyond school-based scope.

Maintain confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and ethical standards consistent with the ASCA National Model.

Apply consistent systems to reinforce school culture, expectations, and core values.

Maintain clear and effective communication with scholars, families, and colleagues.

Participate fully in professional development, coaching, and school-based meetings.

Supervise scholars during all assigned times to ensure safety and a positive environment.

Attend school events outside regular hours (family nights, conferences, performances, etc.).

Uphold and model Adelante’s core values and educational philosophy.

Commit to being present and engaged from 7:10 AM to 4:10 PM, Monday through Friday.

Fulfill other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Commitment to and desire for continuously improving personal practice and school culture through rigorous coaching and professional development.

Proven ability to contribute to and collaborate with a high-performing team toward high, equitable achievement for all scholars.

Outstanding emotional intelligence, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Strong technical, organizational, and case management skills; ability to maintain clean documentation and caseload data.

Eagerness for constant observation and feedback.

Deeply rooted belief that children are capable of reaching the highest bars we set for them.

Master’s degree in School Counseling or a closely related field is required.

Valid Indiana School Counselor license, or proof of reciprocal licensure in a different state, is required. Applicants in Indiana State-approved alternate certification programs must provide proof of enrollment.

Experience in an urban K–8 school setting is preferred.

Benefits & Additional Information:

The Tools You Need to Succeed:

Intensive Support: Feedback is vital for growth, and you'll receive dedicated coaching support throughout your journey with us.

Adelante Schools iPhone: A dedicated iPhone ensures seamless communication with families, with the option to disconnect during personal time to support work-life balance.

Complimentary Meals: Enjoy a nutritious breakfast and lunch prepared by our in-house chef, fueling your day as you educate our scholars.

Paid Fees: There’s a lot to pay for when you’re a teacher. We cover the cost of things like certification and CPR.

Pay & Time Off:

Competitive Salary: We offer salaries that are among the best in Marion County, valuing your expertise and commitment.

Unlimited Flex-PTO:* We prioritize work-life balance with flexible Paid Time Off for personal needs, ensuring it doesn't affect your overall time off.

Generous PTO: Enjoy approximately 65 paid days off already built into the calendar and additional banks of personal days.

Flexible Work Hours: Official hours are 7:10 AM to 4:10 PM, with scholars leaving by 2:20 PM. This gives you the flexibility to use your time effectively post-scholar departure, whether it's on-site, at home, or elsewhere, assuming no meetings are scheduled.

Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave to support new parents.

Healthcare & Retirement:

403B Match: Enhance your retirement savings with our matching program.

Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance options that cover you and your family.

Disability & Life Insurance: Full coverage for Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance, entirely funded by Adelante Schools.

Employer Assistance Program: Access to support services at no cost to you.

Inclusive Employment:

As an equal-opportunity employer, Adelante Schools knows the power of a diverse community and strongly encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. Adelante Schools considers applicants for all roles without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status (provided you are legally able to work in the U.S.), age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Adelante Schools aims to be an inclusive organization committed to accessibility; if you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know