School Counselor

School Counselor:

• Provide one-on-one and group counseling to students in the areas such as social/ emotional learning, self-awareness and self-esteem, problem-solving and conflict resolution, academic support, and career exploration.
• Proactively and in response to needs assessments and/or referral from students, staff, or families, provide individual and small group counseling to address students’ academic and social-emotional needs; collect pre/post-test data where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with students and staff and strictly adhere to NCS policies.
• Recognize and provide guidance and resources to students and families during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change, or other situations that impede a student’s success.
• Engage, share strategies, and collaborate effectively with families, teachers, administrators, and other educational/community resources to support student achievement and educational opportunities.
• Implement, execute, and document an effective referral and follow-up process and report cases of apparent abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities/agencies.
• Support New to Neuse families in their transition, including providing tours and information.
• Assist the Assistant Academy Director with Cougar Camps as requested.
• Utilize effective assessment procedures for determining and delivering one-on-one and group counseling services to students.
• Identify and maintain relevant and current resources for students, families, and staff, and provide referrals for students and families to community resources for additional assistance and information.
• Adhere to the legal and ethical responsibilities of the role, including legal and ethical principles of working with minor students in an academic setting.
• Maintain accurate records providing information as required by NCS policy and applicable laws/regulations.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with the changing and challenging needs of students.
• Provide additional direct and indirect support based on the changing needs of students and staff.
• Work with the other School Counselor(s) and the Student Government Association to plan and promote Red Ribbon Week.
• Coordinate and deliver informational sessions and workshops for students, families, and staff.
• Provide Testing Support to the Testing Coordinator as requested.
• Assist with Graduation Week as requested.
• Work with the Leadership Team for accreditation information as needed.
• Promptly respond to all communication within 2 business days.
• Additional duties may be assigned by school leadership as needed.

504 Coordinator:

• Serve as 504 Plan Coordinator for K-12.
• Coordinate the identification and evaluation process for students suspected of having a disability under Section 504.
• Gather and review educational, medical, psychological, and other relevant data to determine student eligibility.
• Schedule and facilitate Section 504 team meetings to develop or review plans.
• Disseminate updated plan information according to federal and state guidelines.
• Collaborate with staff, families, and service providers to develop Section 504 accommodation plans tailored to student needs.
• Ensure the timely implementation of 504 plans and monitor their effectiveness.
• Support classroom teachers and staff in implementing accommodations and modifications as required.
• Maintain accurate and confidential 504 records and documentation.
• Ensure all procedural safeguards are followed, including parent consent, notice, and grievance procedures.
• Prepare reports and respond to inquiries or audits from state or federal agencies.
• Provide professional development and training for teachers, administrators, and staff regarding 504 processes and legal obligations.
• Stay current on laws, regulations, and best practices related to Section 504 and disability rights in education.
• Work collaboratively with special education staff, nurses, and other stakeholders.
• Support the L.A. School Counselor with McKinney-Vento Homeless students and information.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling or related field (social work, family counseling, etc.); Master’s degree and/or related certification preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience working with 6-12 students in a similar capacity.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of educational systems, legal issues, policies, research, and trends in education.
• Ability to apply school counseling professional standards and competencies.
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of cultural, social, and environmental influences on student success and opportunities.
• Ability to provide guidance and advice in large-group, small-group, and one-on-one settings.
• Ability and willingness to collaborate effectively with students, families, teachers, administrators, and other school staff and stakeholders.
• Ability to identify gaps in student achievement, attendance, discipline, opportunity, and resources.
• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, relevant technology effectively into counseling and learning environments.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Able to support and articulate the school’s mission, goals, and objectives in a positive and inspirational manner.
• Manages confidential information with discretion and care, particularly as it relates to students, and in accordance with FERPA and IDEA.
• Relates well with all types of people, approachable, and an attentive and active listener; patient to hear others out and build rapport with dignity and tact; works collaboratively in a team environment.
• Able to work effectively in a deadline-driven, multi-priority environment; exhibits effective time management skills and appropriate resource management; communicates interferences and delays to supervisor.
• Provides accurate results that are well thought-out and complete; exhibits a high standard for excellence and attention to detail; relays information that is sufficiently detailed and promotes the desired result.

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions:

This position requires:

• Normal periods of sitting and standing in a classroom.
• Extended periods of standing and walking on the school campus.
• Reaching with hands and arms and operating hand-held and desktop office equipment on a regular basis.
• Lifting and/or pushing objects up to 20 lbs. on a regular basis.
• Assisting students with tasks such as eating, using the bathroom/changing diapers, and moving from one classroom to another (if applying for a Lower Academy or EC Teacher position).
• Assisting other staff members in lifting/moving students up to 100 lbs. on a regular basis (if applying for an EC Teacher position).
• Normal vision (with or without correction).
• Normal hearing (with or without correction).

The majority of work is performed inside an office building and is temperature-controlled.