High School Counselor

School Counselor

Great Oaks Charter School - Bridgeport | High School

About Great Oaks Charter School, Bridgeport

Three things are true about us.

One. A child's zip code should not determine their future.

We are a tuition-free public charter school in Bridgeport, built on three pillars: Mastery, Leadership, and Community. Our embedded AmeriCorps tutoring program puts an extra adult in every ELA and Math classroom because small-group instruction should not be a luxury reserved for private schools.

We are not a place that lowers expectations to match circumstances.

Two. We invest in the adults who invest in our students.

Every staff member, in every role, is supported by dedicated academic coaches, real professional development, and a culture where colleagues actually show up for one another. You will not be left to figure it out alone.

We are not interested in burning people out and replacing them. We are interested in building careers.

Three. We are building something for Bridgeport that did not exist before we got here.

What you do at Great Oaks today shapes what is possible for our students tomorrow. That is not a slogan. That is the job.

We are not finished.

If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, keep reading.

Position Summary

Guidance Counselors, through comprehensive school counseling programs of developmental, preventive, remedial, and responsive services, address academic development, career development, and personal/social development of students. The comprehensive school counseling program aligns with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national model and standards and current counseling skills and competencies.

What You Will Actually Do

• Uses data to develop comprehensive programs that meet the needs of students; establishes the school counseling program and develops activities and resources to implement and evaluate the program; develops and maintains a written plan for effective delivery of the school counseling program.

• Effectively implement a data-driven, grade-level appropriate college and career readiness program for all students.

• Utilize data to determine college readiness and to determine interventions needed to assist students to access post high school options.

• Collaborates with our College and Career Counselor identify individual needs for 12th grade students as they prepare for a college or career of their choice.

• Uses data to guide program planning; conducts a yearly program audit to review extent of program implementation and effectiveness.

• Monitors student academic performance, behavior, and attendance and facilitates appropriate interventions.

• Provides individual and group counseling services to meet the developmental, preventive, and remedial needs of students.

• Consults with students, parents, teachers, and other school and community personnel to assist in meeting the needs of students.

• Coordinate all counseling services for students and assists with the coordination and implementation of student services in the school.

• Implements developmentally appropriate and prevention-oriented group activities to meet student needs and school goals.

• Assists all students, individually or in groups, with developing academic, career and personal/social skills, goals, and plans.

• Acts as case manager for all 504 students working collaboratively with the Director of Special Services ensuring 504 students services are being provided and met.

• Collaborates with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with educational, career, and life planning.

• Cover classroom teaching if needed

What We Are Looking For

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or institution

• Certified as a School Counselor/Guidance Counselor by the State of Connecticut *Required*

• Familiarity with the Naviance and PowerSchool program is a plus

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Proficient in the knowledge and use of Technology and computer applications

• Experience in urban schools is preferred

• Knowledge of current research and trends in school counseling and guidance

• Knowledge of current research and trends in college and career readiness

• Knowledge of crisis prevention and arbitration techniques

• Ability to analyze data.

• “GRIT” – must have the ability to persevere and succeed at a challenging task.

• Relationship-building; must show evidence of building and leveraging strong relationships.

• Relentlessness – must be willing to do whatever it takes to constantly improve student achievement, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.

• Communicate Effectively – must be able to clearly communicate with peers and supervisors.

• Organization – excellent skills of organization and follow-through.

What You Can Expect From Us

• Competitive salary range: $56,000 based on experience.

• Certified staff remain part of the CT Pension System.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision options.

• 403(b) Plan.

• Life insurance.

• Short- and Long-Term Disability.

• Paid Time Off.

• Holiday Pay.

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives and education.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Collaborative and supportive work environment.

• Meaningful connections with fellow educators, students, families, and the community.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Great Oaks Charter School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.