School Counselor

School Name: St. James Academy

Location: 623 S Nardo Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Reports to: Principal
Employment Type: Part Time; 10-12 hours per week; hours TBD
FLSA Status: Non - Exempt

St. James Academy is seeking a qualified, experienced and passionate educator who is deeply committed to developing Christ-centered, forward-thinking leaders to serve our future Church and our world. SJA is committed to excellence and provides a student-centered, Catholic-based, rigorous academic curriculum that values cultural and intellectual diversity.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Advises and counsels students regarding academic, educational, and short-term social and emotional areas of need
• Is available to lead “soft skill” lessons (sportsmanship, problem solving, conflict resolution, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, growth mindset, etc) specific to each classes’ needs
• Remains universally accessible and makes an effort to know every student for whom they are responsible
• Consults with Learning Support Team
• Monitors and records student progress to determine effectiveness of program
• Participates on a Learning Support Team
• Assists students/parents in understanding school policies and procedures
• Provides brief counseling to address social and emotional concerns and appropriately refers students to outside resources if needed
• Communicates, coordinates, and collaborates with faculty and staff on developing and implementing student supports
• Supports and attends appropriate student activities and events
• Supervise students in and outside the classroom
• Participate in faculty meetings, school committees, and in-services as needed
• Attend other school functions and activities as necessary
• Advances educational knowledge by attending conferences, professional development opportunities, and reading educational journals
• Other duties as assigned
• Comply with school regulations and policies and serve as a positive role model for students in accordance with Catholic teachings

Administrative/ Other Responsibilities:

• Return voice-mail/e-mail messages in a timely manner, within 24 hours
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding student’s academic progress, behavior, concerns and positives
• Submit assessment data to Data Committee in a timely manner
• Maintain a neat and orderly workspace
• Demonstrate a respectful demeanor with staff, students, and parents
• Observe utmost confidentiality regarding parent, student, staff information/conversations

Religious Qualifications:

• Active, practicing Roman Catholic (preferred)
• Respects and understands a Catholic school philosophy

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in counseling, psychology, education or other related field
• Internship and/or clinical experience
• State Licensure
• State Counselor Certification
• Clear criminal background check (a clear Livescan for the Diocese of San Diego is a condition of employment)
• Basic understanding and acceptance of Catholic School philosophy, goals and objectives
• Understanding of child development and skills necessary to relate to the students
• Strong written, pragmatic and expressive communication skills
• Can-do, positive attitude
• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with administration, colleagues and parents
• Professional demeanor

Physical Requirements:

To successfully meet the needs of the students in his/her care, the school counselor must:

• Spend the majority of the day standing in the classroom. While standing the teacher will frequently hold objects they are working with or demonstrating
• Sit on an occasional basis
• Walk through the classroom and be able to maneuver in tight spaces between desks. Walk on both even and uneven surfaces
• Deal with students while kneeling or squatting, stooping, or bending
• Reach at, below, or above shoulder height with the dominant upper extremity; may require trunk or neck rotation to look back at the class
• Assist in moving children's desks and chairs to change the layout of the classroom to influence the learning situation. It is occasionally necessary to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 25 pounds from the office to classrooms

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to be inside the classroom. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the classroom and preschool environment, as well as maneuver throughout the school facility to attend meetings, trainings, and other work-related events. The employee may be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and county-wide locations to attend trainings or workshops.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

St. James Academy, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.