School Counselor

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General Responsibilities

The School Counselor provides academic, social-emotional, and career readiness support to students at the Center for Autism and Newport Academy. This role is critical in helping students navigate high school graduation requirements, transition planning, and postsecondary readiness while addressing the unique social, behavioral, and mental health needs of students with disabilities. The School Counselor works collaboratively with IEP teams, teachers, families, and community partners to ensure every student is supported holistically and set up for success.

Essential Functions

Academic & Graduation Planning

• Review high school transcripts and assessment results to ensure students are on track for an Advanced Studies Diploma, Standard Diploma, or Applied Studies Diploma.
• Complete course schedules for all students in grades 9–12 and finalize high school scheduling once teacher assignments are confirmed.
• Complete and submit Credit Accommodations forms as required.
• Collaborate with zone school counseling centers to ensure accurate transcripts, graduation status updates, and diploma planning.
• Monitor progress and make recommendations to ensure compliance with VDOE graduation requirements.

 IEP & Eligibility Support

• Participate and assist IEP teams in determining eligibility for the LVAC or SPLAVC.
• Provide data and professional input regarding graduation pathways, transition goals, and student support needs.

Career Readiness & WorkKeys/NCRC

• Collaborate with high school teachers and the testing facilitator to ensure students are prepared for WorkKeys assessments.
• Assign and monitor students in Plato courses to strengthen preparation for WorkKeys tests.
• Assist with WorkKeys testing, including administering assessments, inputting scores into PowerSchool, and updating transcripts with National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) completion.

Student Counseling & Mental Health

• Provide individual (1:1) counseling as needed or requested to support students’ social, emotional, and mental health needs.
• Lead social skills lessons in classrooms to support teacher instruction and reinforce interpersonal and self-regulation skills.
• Conduct crisis intervention and threat assessments (including suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, and other safety concerns) as part of the collaborative crisis team.
• Serve as an active member of the school crisis team, participating in prevention, intervention, and postvention efforts.

 Collaboration & Consultation

• Work closely with teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to integrate social-emotional learning and transition planning into daily instruction.
• Engage families in understanding diploma options, transition goals, and counseling supports available for their child.
• Partner with community agencies (e.g., DARS, mental health providers, workforce development programs) to support transition planning and postsecondary readiness.

Mininum Requirements

• Master's Degree from an approved school counselor education program
• Professional license with endorsement in school counseling from the Virginia Department of Education