School Counselor (High School)

Position Overview:  STEM Prep is looking for a School Counselor who will be responsible for providing a comprehensive school counseling program that is preventative in design, developmental in implementation, and supports students in the areas of academic achievement, career and college planning, and personal and social development. The incumbent also serves as a consultant to educators, families, and community partners.

The School Counselor will be supervised by the Assistant Principal of Student Culture with ultimate oversight by the school principal. They will receive technical assistance, guidance, and instruction while working in coordination with the School Principal and Chief of Schools. Additionally, the School Counselor will work closely with the Culture Team, faculty, students, families, and staff. There may be times when they may need to work with local schools, various social services agencies (i.e., Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA)), courts, personnel from other public school systems, and parents.

Required Qualifications:

●        Bachelor’s degree in education or related field

●      Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in school guidance and counseling (preferred not required)

●      Meets requirements for school guidance and counseling and retains a current and valid certification as a professional school counselor.

●      Ability to analyze data to inform work and decision-making, analyze and evaluate available data, assess student needs and develop and implement procedures and policies to support student achievement.

●        Commitment to the development of adult learners through skill, knowledge, and mindset coaching conversations

●        Ability to hold adults accountable while building and maintaining relationships

●        Eagerness to resolve conflicts, not avoid them.

●        Demonstrated commitment to Anti Racism, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging

●        Feels confident, compelled and proactive in creating, monitoring and evaluating action plans

●        Ability to manage multiple priorities and a student-first mindset

 Preventative and Responsive Services

●      Designs, implements and assesses the guidance curriculum.

●      Utilizes responsive counseling, initiating individual and group sessions for students’ academic, social, culture, and personal concerns.

●      Consults with families and staff to appraise student needs and interests and to discuss appropriate recommendations for educational options.

●      Plans, coordinates and provides the classroom guidance sessions to meet the identified guidance and counseling competencies in the areas of academic achievement, career and educational development, and personal and social development to assist students in developing decision-making skills and identifying life goals.

●      Assesses student needs and makes referrals to appropriate school resource personnel, social agencies, community agencies and alternative programs.

●      Intervenes during crisis situations and participates on the school crisis team.

Individual Student Planning

●      Prepares students for the transition to the next level: high school and post high school activities/options.

●      Plans and coordinates programs such as career and high school fairs, test skills preparation, improved/perfect attendance celebrations and other extensions of the counseling program to support students’ knowledge of post-secondary options.

●      Assist students in navigating their academic, workplace and community experiences, through the use of individual student planning which includes individual graduation portfolios (IGP), student interviews and other planning tools.

●      Collaborates with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with educational and career planning. Participates in school management teams in order to advocate for students needs and provide guidance for school staff.

System of Support

●      Guides, coordinates, and supports other school staff in implementing school wide advisory programs.

●      Uses responsive counseling strategies to establish relationships and collaborate with educators, students, families, and community partners which reflect recognition of and respect for each individual. And promotes an understanding and appreciation of diverse populations and cultures.

●      Assists families in obtaining services for their children through an appropriate referral and follow-up process.

●      Serves as liaison between the social services agencies (i.e., D.C. Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) and personnel from the various school systems where wards of the District of Columbia are attending school.

●      Assists teachers in understanding their students, including providing and interpreting student data.

●      Provides in-service training on topics related to the school counseling program and supporting student achievement.

Accountability

●        Conducts at minimum of a yearly program audit of student’s course credits to review on and off track for next grade level.

●        Conduct at minimum of a yearly program audit to review the extent and quality of program implementation.

●        Prepares and submits a variety of requested reports and data, to ensure fulfillment of established program requirements.

●        Uses all available data, including academic grades, discipline referrals and attendance data, to identify students in need and to deliver services.

●        Interprets tests, student data and other assessment results appropriately within the counseling environment for the purpose of developing and implementing academic plans for individual students.

Admin Responsibilities

●      Partner with the High School leadership teams, Network team, and support staff.

●      Ensure an effective flow of critical information between and among leaders, staff, teachers and students.

●      Work closely with leaders to keep all parties fully informed on all important aspects of the status and development of the academic program to ensure transparent and effective oversight of the organization as a whole.

●      Collaborate with members of senior staff to bolster the quality of programming and ensure continuous improvement of the academic program and organization as a whole. 

●      Create and maintain a culture that promotes student achievement and college preparation for all students.

●      Demonstrate a commitment to competent communication and conflict resolution.

●      Ensure the school meets and is in compliance with all federal, state, and local rules and regulations.

●      Other duties as assigned