Founding Middle School Counselor

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School Counselor

Job Description

Mission

Our mission is to provide the children of NCS with new educational opportunities through a rigorous, comprehensive K-8 program that cultivates the intellectual, social, and emotional development of each child. Our students, who will include Autistic children, will become independent learners and critical thinkers, will acquire the academic skills that they need to succeed in college preparatory high schools, and will exhibit the social and emotional skills that will allow them to reach their full potential.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dedicated and student-centered School Counselor to support the holistic development of our scholars. The School Counselor plays a vital role in fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing school environment by addressing students’ academic, emotional, and social needs. As a key member of our staff, the counselor collaborates with teachers, families, school leaders, and outside providers to ensure that every child receives the support necessary to thrive. This role combines direct counseling services with program development, crisis intervention, and data-informed planning to create a responsive school counseling program that meets the needs of all learners.

Key Responsibilities

Counseling Services & Student Support

• Deliver individual and group counseling to address students' social-emotional, behavioral, and academic needs
• Integrate Social Thinking® strategies within individual and group counseling services.
• Facilitate support groups on topics such as emotional regulation, friendship skills, and trauma recovery
• Design and implement responsive counseling interventions tailored to students’ developmental stages and presenting concerns
• Guide students through personal goal-setting, conflict resolution, and decision-making processes.
• Provide direct support during crises such as mental health emergencies, abuse disclosures, or traumatic events.

Crisis Response & Risk Assessment

• Execute school-based crisis prevention and response protocols
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for students exhibiting signs of suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, or severe emotional distress
  • Utilize evidence-based tools and interviews to evaluate risk level, intent, means, and protective factors
  • Collaborate with internal teams to determine next steps, such as safety planning, referrals, or hospitalizations
  • Notify and consult with caregivers while maintaining a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach
  • Coordinate with external mental health professionals, crisis response teams, and emergency services as needed
  • Ensure proper documentation of all incidents and follow-up care plans in compliance with confidentiality laws and school policy
• Monitor at-risk students post-crisis and provide ongoing support and reentry planning

Collaboration & Consultation

• Meet weekly with the Mental Health Services team to review new referrals and adjust support plans
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records and progress notes in compliance with state and federal regulations
• Coordinate services for students with disabilities, including contributions to IEPs and 504 Plans
• Support alignment of counseling, Social Thinking®, and behavior intervention programs with the Network’s whole-child vision
• Collaborate with teachers and instructional staff to support student success in the classroom.
• Act as a liaison between families, school staff, and outside mental health or community resources.
• Provide consultation to staff and families on student behavior, emotional regulation, and social development.
• Assist in implementing restorative practices and behavior intervention strategies.
• Refer students and families to appropriate external providers for medical, psychiatric, housing, or legal services

Program Management & Data Use

• Support the Mental Health and Behavior Programs Manager in evaluating and developing the school counseling program using relevant data.
• Track, analyze, and interpret student data (grades, attendance, behavioral reports) to identify trends and guide interventions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in accordance with ethical and legal standards.

Qualifications

• Current NYS School Counselor certification
• Master's degree in School Counseling or a related field
• Strong commitment to supporting students from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• 3+ years of experience in a school-based counseling or social-emotional support role
• Bilingual or multilingual (strongly preferred)
• Experience supporting students with disabilities, particularly Autism 
• Familiarity with restorative practices, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• The starting salary is $80,340