Academic Counselor

State of Montana•Dillon, MT

14h

About The Position

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy is a 22-week residential program for up to 100 youth ages 16 to 18 that aims to improve participants’ quality of life and positively influence at-risk youth to take charge of their lives. The program combines military-style discipline, teamwork, leadership development, academic instruction, life-coping skills, physical wellness, citizenship development, and transition planning for employment, vocational training, or college. What this position does The Academic Counselor provides assessment, counseling support, crisis intervention, post-graduation placement assistance, and related services to cadets and their families. The position also leads and supports life-skills programming, academic counseling, student retention efforts, outreach activities, and coordination of services that help cadets succeed during the residential phase and in their post-residential plans.

Requirements

Successful candidates should have knowledge of youth counseling concepts, human behavior, crisis intervention, education, and issues affecting at-risk youth.
The role also requires the ability to build effective working relationships, maintain confidentiality, communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, exercise tact and empathy, and serve as a positive role model for program participants.
The knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position are typically acquired through a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, social science, human services, education, counseling-related study, or a closely related field, plus progressively responsible experience working with youth in personal, vocational, academic, residential, or other supportive service programs.
Must pass a driving record review, reference checks, criminal background screening, sex offender background screening, and pre-employment drug screening.
This position is subject to ongoing random drug or drug and alcohol testing.
A valid Montana driver’s license is required for operating a motor vehicle and transporting participants.
Effective April 4, 2026, this agency is participatingin E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit: State of Montana application. Cover letter. Resume.

Nice To Haves

Preferred strengths include experience with student information systems, academic interventions, scheduling, and working with at-risk youth in personal, vocational, or academic settings.
Previous experience working with at-risk youth is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct screening, intake, and assessment activities to determine participant needs, strengths, barriers, and program fit.
Provide individual, group, and classroom-based support in areas such as academic skills, life skills, job readiness, health and hygiene, emotional awareness, stress management, and other youth development topics.
Provide personal, vocational, and academic guidance to help cadets meet behavior, education, and placement goals.
Monitor student progress, maintain regular contact with parents, guardians, mentors, and stakeholders, and help adjust plans to support cadet success.
Provide crisis intervention and support during behavioral, family, and emergency situations, while helping maintain participant safety and program standards.
Lead or participate in cadet retention and re-engagement meetings, document case activity, and recommend interventions, consequences, continued participation, or expulsion when warranted.
Help coordinate curriculum and individualized activities tied to post-residential action plans, including academic, vocational, and life-skills development.
Assist cadets with placement planning after graduation, including post-secondary applications, financial aid, scholarships, ACT registration, military enlistment, job applications, apprenticeships, Job Corps, or returning to high school.
Work professionally with administrators, staff, families, community partners, and outside agencies, and support outreach and admissions events statewide.
Compile required student and program data, attend meetings and conferences, and perform other duties as assigned, including occasional transportation of cadets when needed.