School Counselor

Nexus Family Healing is hiring a part-time School Counselor to join our Safe Harbor School in Manteno, IL, to provide and document therapeutic services to students according to the goals and objectives

identified in each student’s Individualized Education Plan.

At Nexus Family Healing, we embrace diversity, promote equity, and foster inclusion. As a national mental health organization, we serve a diverse group of youth and families, and we strive for our workforce to support and represent that diversity.

Safe Harbor School (SHS) is our very own private school that serves youth receiving treatment at Nexus-Indian Oaks. SHS serves grade levels 6 - 12, and students participate in a curriculum tailored to their unique needs and current grade level. The school provides a special education curriculum accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. Credits transfer to any school upon the client's discharge.

Work Schedule & Salary:

• Part-Time, as needed on a year-round basis (exempt)
• Location:  101 N Bramble Street, Manteno, IL 60950
• School hours:  M-F 7a-3:30pm (both prescheduled & on call hours available)
• Pay Range: $35 - $40 per hour

Position Summary: The role of a part-time School Counselor is to provide and document therapeutic services to students according to the goals and objectives identified in each student’s Individualized Education Plan .   

Primary responsibilities:

1. Provide therapeutic services according to the goals and objectives identified in each student’s Individualized Education Plan.

• Render and track individual, group, and other services as identified based on the minimum weekly or monthly amount of time required by the IEP.
• Plan and conduct group sessions with students to meet IEP goals.
• Complete additional classroom observation reports for Related Service Counseling to justify need for special education students.
• Completion of required diagnostic assessments and documentation as determined by the IEP team.

2. Provide education and assistance to Manteno School staff and other departments regarding school therapeutic services and educational outcomes.

• Educate School staff and treatment team members in the understanding of the student’s educational needs.
• Regularly assess the student’s educational progress with the student, the student’s family and LEA, and the clinical treatment team; communicate respectfully and professionally with students and family at all times.
• Actively participate in IEP meetings and case conferences as needed; collaborate effectively with Nexus team to problem solve and toward and achieve shared goals and outcomes.
• Be available on call for consultation/treatment direction and/or decisions when appropriate.
• Develop healthy working relationships with coworkers, employees and youth and families; demonstrate a high degree of conduct, integrity and professionalism while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

3. Communicate with legal systems, schools and social service agencies and provide court testimony when necessary.

4. Ensure compliance with governing agency and Nexus reporting requirements.

• Complete and compile documentation required by Nexus and governing agencies.
• Maintain the educational record according to site policy.
• Produce informal and formal reports for parents, social workers, courts, etc.
• Review documentation from group living and classroom.
• Participate in follow-up data.

5. Prepare and maintain records and reports for programs and services as required.

• Maintain accurate database and files of former and current students in special education in accordance with federal and ISBE regulations.
• Follow procedures for safe storing and integrity of all confidential student records, ensuring that student record keeping procedures comply with state and federal law.

6. Attend and participate in staff meetings and remain current on all required training sessions. Attend relevant conferences for continued education. Understand and support the Nexus philosophy and treatment modalities

7. Understand, remain current and apply Nexus policies and procedures.

8. Ensure confidentiality regarding students in compliance with all licensing agencies, ISBE, company policy, Joint Commission, and HIPAA guidelines.

9. Assist with other job-related duties, as assigned.

 Required Education and Licensure:

• 5+ years’ experience working with youth and/or families
• Master’s degree in behavioral sciences, human services, social work, marriage & family therapy, psychology, counseling, or clinically related fields
• Fully licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Maintain First Aid/CPR/Infection Control/Blood Bourne Pathogen/Safe Crisis Management required
• Valid driver’s license required. Must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirements
• Must successfully pass an IL DCFS criminal background check. 
• Must have the ability to build strong relationships with diverse individuals or communities and understand their unique needs and challenges. 
• Must be open to meeting the cultural needs of individuals or communities, considering factors such as language, traditions, and values.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• 7+ years’ experience working with youth and/or families

ICARE Values & Behavioral Competencies:

• Innovation: Leading the way and implementing creative, cutting-edge ideas and approaches. 
• Compassion: Listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy care, and concern. 
• Agility: Exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly. 
• Responsiveness: Being quick, positive, and accurate. 
• Excellence: Demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards. 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:  At Nexus Family Healing, our voices and actions will be focused on recognizing, affirming and respecting people of every race, ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression and faith.  

Physical Demands: 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to assist staff in proper holding and restraining of residents, must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100 with assistance, must be able to twist, bend and stretch in a manner conducive to the execution of daily activities, and the employee is required to talk, hear, adjust focus, and may require extended periods of sitting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.