Counselor jobs in Arkansas

• JobID: 1108

Position Type:
Licensed: Special Services/Counselor

Date Posted:
12/5/2022

Location:
S.O.A.R. Academy High School

Date Available:
ASAP

JOB TITLE: Alternative Pathways School Counselor
LOCATION: SOAR Academy High School
WORK YEAR: 192 work days, 7.5 hours/day, Monday - Friday
WORK STATUS: Licensed Full Time, Exempt
REPORTS TO: School Principal

This position is for the 22/23 school year and is probationary unless the selected candidate is hired after the first student day. Per Master Agreement, when a position is filled after the opening of school by an individual who was not employed by the District in the previous school year, that employee will receive a one-year temporary contract.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The alternative pathways school counselor position is considered a leadership position within the school and it will be important for the candidate to have understanding of collaboration, innovation, and post-secondary pathways. The candidate will have already been a high school or middle school counselor and has a thorough understanding of the job responsibilities described below. Also, the candidate that we seek understands at-risk youth and the flexibility needed to support their post-secondary plans, including college access, career planning and/or career awareness activities. This position works predominantly with SOAR Academy students, staff, and parents, but will also coordinate bridging efforts with our high school post-secondary team to build and provide opportunities for alternative graduation pathways and supports for all secondary students within the Sheridan school district.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mission Driven School Leadership

• Coordinate, plan and review the education services including credit accrual, credit recover, and High School Equivalency (HSE) Programs
• Demonstrate commitment to the vision, mission, goals, and priorities of the school and district.
• Exercise proactive leadership in promoting the vision and mission of Sheridan School District 2.
• Assist with the development of the school’s improvement plan.
• Participate interviewing and selecting qualified personnel to be recommended for employment.
• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate instructional programs and delivery systems to meet the needs of at-risk youth.
• Promote high expectations for student success.
• Provide classroom instruction on career development and affective needs.
• Set high goals and standards for self, others, and organization including working with the principal in the development of measures of student learning and student learning objectives.
• Keep abreast of current research, trends, and best practices in alternative education.
• Participate in school, district, state, and national meetings and other activities to enhance professional development.

Inter-agency Development

• Articulate SOAR programs with other community and service agencies, creating avenues for student learning about post-secondary opportunities.
• Assist students in accessing external partnership opportunities.
• Communicate with other agencies, which have responsibility for students enrolled at their sites.
• Develop positive school/community relations and serve as liaison between the school and community.
• Initiate programs and organize resources to carry out the school’s unified improvement plan focusing on improving graduation rates and developing alternative graduation pathways.

Data Driven Decision Making

• Develop and progress monitor ICAP’s (Individualized Career and Academic plan) to determine possible alternative, and individualized college and career pathways for students.

• Use credit, course completion, TABE, and ICAP data to schedule students for concurrent enrollment, externship and internship opportunities.

Social Emotional Support

• Works with behavior and mental health team to develop systems to help students with social emotional supports to promote academics.
• Works with leadership team to develop systems that balance student academic success strategies with social emotional support strategies.

• Complete suicide risk assessments and threat assessments with social worker.
• Participate as a member of the district-wide mental health team
• Assist social worker during a mental health crisis.

Culture, Climate, & Collaboration

• Maintain and model high standards of professional conduct.
• Attend school-related activities and events.
• Maintain visibility and accessibility on the school campus.
• Be an active member in the recognition and celebration for student, staff, and school accomplishments.
• Use appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to guide individuals and groups to task accomplishment.

Proactive problem solving

• Adjust strategies to accommodate unexpected situations.
• Align school initiatives with District, state, and school goals.
• Anticipate future problems as activities are planned.
• Be proactive in recognizing and solving school problems.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with parents, students, teachers, and the community.
• Coordinate with district instructional staff in program planning.
• Facilitate problem solving by groups and individuals.
• Provide leadership and direction for developing the best possible learning/teaching environment.
• Understand and utilize collaborative planning strategies.
• Use technology effectively.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Required:
Special Service Providers must hold a valid Colorado Authorization.
Master’s degree in school based counseling

Preferred:
Bilingual Spanish preferred
Previous counseling experience

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:
None

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Demonstrated knowledge of developmental needs of students.
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills.
• Evidence of ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative relationships with school personnel, students and parents.
• Demonstrated understanding and empathy necessary for working with students.
• Knowledge of colleges, their academic programs, admission policies, and financial policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of college preparatory programs for middle school students.
• Understanding of social emotional supports and curriculums.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office, internet research, and Windows and Mac operating systems.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Mostly clean; some noise; interactions with students with aggressive behaviors, medical needs or physical needs, generally in a general education classroom setting. May require responses to physical aggression of students or lifting of student, occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling and occasional sitting, reaching, stooping, and squatting.

CLEARANCE:
Must clear online background check and FBI Fingerprint check through Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

SALARY:
Placement on Licensed Salary Schedule based upon highest degree earned, college credits earned after highest degree and previous teaching experience. Current Board approved Licensed Salary Schedule, placement policy and Master Agreement are available for review on our district website at www.ssd2.org. Highest initial step placement on the Licensed Salary Schedule is Step 9.

BENEFITS:
Employees who are scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible to obtain district benefits which include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance and supplemental benefits. Positions that qualify for benefits also qualify for leave which could include vacation and daily leave to be determined by the position and number of days assigned. Sheridan School District No. 2 is a public employer and participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 11% of salary on a pre-tax basis to PERA.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
All interested and qualified applicants must complete an online application at www.ssd2.org. Incomplete applications and resumes received in lieu of applications will not be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview. This position will close once the vacancy has been filled.

Job Type: Full-time