Position Overview
The School Counselor is responsible for providing a comprehensive school counseling program that is preventative in design, developmental in implementation, and supports Lamad Academy scholars in the areas of academic achievement, personal and social development and high school placement. The School Counselor also serves as a consultant to educators, families, community partners and social service agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities (including but not limited to)
- Serve as an advocate for children and for parents around issues that are negatively impacting a scholar’s success in school.
- Provide consultation with school staff and parents concerning the growth and development of individual scholars.
- Identify and assess learning and behavior problems, including factors in the school environment contributing to student problems.
- Identify, assess and when warranted and possible, modify social emotional, cultural, economic as well as other environmental factors impacting negatively on a scholar’s success in school.
- Incorporate students’ parents as partners in the learning process; keep parents apprised of student’s progress, attitude and behavior.
- Keep scheduled appointments and be accessible to parents when they have questions regarding the academic and social development of their child.
- Counsel scholars individually and in groups.
- Collaborate with the Special Education Coordinator on 504 and IEP mandates.
- Provide group counseling, educational workshops and other services to parents on topics such as parenting, stress reduction, child growth and development, and keeping your child safe.
- Provide training to school staff on sound principles of mental health and scientific approaches to managing human behavior.
- Plan and provide innovative educational programs to meet the needs of children and prevent problems from occurring.
- Maintain required student records and prepare statistical reports as requested.
- Oversee the Lamad Life blocks and plan weekly SEL activities for teachers to complete with scholars; guide, coordinate and support other school staff in implementing school wide advisory programs.
- Work directly with scholars and families on high school placement; keep a database of high school placement.
- Prepare scholars for the transition to the next level: high school and post high school activities/options.
- Plan and coordinate programs such as career and high school fairs, test skills preparation, improved/perfect attendance celebrations and other extensions of the counseling program to support scholars’ knowledge of post-secondary options.
- Assist scholars 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.
- Use responsive counseling strategies to establish relationships and collaborate with educators, students, families, and community partners which reflect recognition of and respect for each individual; promote 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 such as ACS.
- Assists teachers in understanding their scholars, including providing and interpreting student data.
- Provide pre-service training on topics related to the school counseling program and supporting student achievement.
- Use all available data, including academic grades, discipline referrals and attendance data, to identify scholars that are at-risk and to deliver services.
- Interpret tests, student data and other assessment results appropriately within the counseling environment for the purpose of developing and implementing academic plans for individual students.
- Carry out other professionally related activities as required and directed by the Principal.
Academic & Certification Qualifications
- Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in school guidance and counseling.
- New York State School Counselor Certification Required.
Work Experience & Skills
- Minimum of 5 years certified school counseling experience, preferred.
- Able to improve curriculum and instruction through collaboration as part of the leadership team.
- Passionately dedicated to the school's mission with a steadfast belief that all scholars will receive a rigorous middle school education.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required to develop rubrics, examine data and metrics that will enhance student knowledge and promote performance of superior work products.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively and flexibly with a diverse team of teachers and administrators.
- Strong written, grammatical, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
- Working knowledge and comfort level with instructional technology
Personal Qualities & Behavioral Traits
- Commitment to Equity: Passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every scholar, regardless of background or circumstance, receives an excellent well-rounded education.
- Leadership: Coaches, mentors, and challenges others to excel despite obstacles and challenging situations.
- Focus on Data-Driven Results: Relentlessly pursues the improvement of school performance, instruction, and operations, and is driven by a desire to produce quantifiable student achievement gains.
- Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility and sees challenges as opportunities for creative problem solving; takes initiative to explore issues and find potential innovative solutions.
- Adaptability: Excels in constantly changing environments and adapts flexibly in shifting projects or priorities to meet the needs of a dynamic transformation effort; comfortable with ambiguity and non-routine situations.
- Teamwork: Increases the effectiveness of surrounding teams through collaboration, constant learning and supporting others; sensitive to diversity in all its forms; respects and is committed to learning from others.
- Dependability: Does whatever is necessary to consistently deliver with high quality under tight deadlines; successfully manages own projects through strong organization, detailed work plans, and balancing of multiple priorities.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Grade levels:
- 6th grade
- 7th grade
- 8th grade
Physical setting:
Schedule:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
License/Certification:
- School Counseling Certification (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Brooklyn, NY 11212 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Brooklyn, NY 11212: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person