The Bridge Middle School Classroom Counselor (License Preferred)

EQA Schools•New Orleans, LA

2d•$40,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

Educators for Quality Alternatives (EQA) EQA is a New Orleans nonprofit with the mission of Providing struggling students with the skills, confidence and experiences to succeed in the education and career paths of their choice. The organization currently runs three alternative high schools: The NET:Central City, The NET:Gentilly, and the NET:East for students who have dropped out of, been expelled from, or who have otherwise struggled in a traditional school setting. EQA programs are built on the belief that alternative schools should not punish or “fix” young people; they should be vibrant, flexible, and restorative environments that support students in being their best selves. The Bridge Middle School Program launched in August 2019 to serve 7th and 8th grade students during their expulsion terms. The program is rooted in restorative and therapeutic practices: students participate in intensive behavioral, social, and academic support and work to build skills that will help them transition successfully back to their home school. Position Summary The Bridge’s innovative model pairs a teacher and a counselor in each classroom to insure that students’ behavioral and mental health needs are being met along with their academic needs. The Classroom Counselor uses best practices in restorative and trauma-informed approaches to support individual student growth and classroom community development. The Bridge’s Classroom Counselors are responsible for: Providing in and out of class interventions Case managing individual students Managing crisis and de-escalating students Sharing in classroom planning and supporting students academically Facilitating transitions into and out of the program Liaising with stakeholders to insure wrap around supports Constantly developing your craft

Requirements

3-5+ years experience with at risk middle/high school students
Experience working with students and families with significant trauma with a demonstrated record of improving their academic and behavioral skills
Valid MSW, PLC or LCSW preferred by not required
Passion for improving educational opportunities for urban students and for being a part of a strong, mission-driven team
Commitment to EQA’s mission, vision and values
Excellent organization, communication, interpersonal and people management skills
Skilled at program, monitoring and evaluation, workplanning, and execution
Flexible and learning mindset dedicated to effectively & innovatively problem solving

Responsibilities

Provide in and out of class interventions
Design and provide individual and classroom based interventions including, but not limited to: PBIS behavior plans Restorative circles Group therapy sessions Individual sessions Collaborative problem solving plans
Case management individual students
With the team develop, adjust, and monitor student behavior and counseling plans
Implement interventions
Track and communicate progress to student, families, and staff
Facilitate transitions into and out of the program
Develop and conduct effective transition meetings with families, students, home school staff and bridge staff
Work with each student to create their “transition manual”
Provide appropriate information and supports to home school to insure students transition back successfully
Sharing in classroom planning and supporting students academically
While the classroom teacher will do the bulk of the academic planning, the counselor and teacher work as a team planning the daily and weekly schedule
When students are not in need of behavioral interventions, the counselors provide academic supports
Manage crisis prevention and interventions
Use CPI to intervene and de-escalate students safely and productively
In collaboration with students, families, and staff, design crisis plans for high needs students
Train students and staff to handle crisis in safe, restorative, and appropriate ways
Liaison with stakeholders to insure wrap around supports
Collaborate with team to insure all students are connected with appropriate referrals, supports and resources
Track referral outcomes and advocate for students and families to insure they receive appropriate care
Assists students in accessing formal and informal community resources
Work with families and conduct home visits to build rapport
Constantly Develop your Craft
Set goals for student development and professional growth
Actively reflect on your own work and monitor progress toward goals
Productively seek, give, and use feedback
Positively contribute to the school’s collegial community
Participate in all scheduled professional development activities and seek out additional opportunities
Involve yourself in the continual development and improvement of the school’s curriculum, culture, and program.