School Counseling Intern - Rhode Island

Excel Academy Charter Schools•Providence, RI

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of a licensed School Counselor, the School Counseling Intern provides individual and group counseling services to Excel students. The role uses clinical counseling and consultation techniques to promote student mental health, social-emotional development, and adjustment to school, home, and community. The intern works with a weekly caseload of 15 students, facilitates social-emotional counseling groups, and collaborates with school staff, families, and external service providers. The position also includes participation in student support meetings, IEP processes, professional development, and school community activities. Excel Academy is a network of five schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island serving students in grades 5–12. Its mission is to prepare students to succeed in high school and college and participate productively in their communities. Excel emphasizes high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support, and is committed to providing a free, high-quality holistic education to every student.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Beginning working knowledge of a variety of academic, social, and emotional supports for middle school students.
Commitment to and belief in all students and the mission, values, and educational model of Excel Academy Charter Schools.
Commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education.
Ability to focus and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work.
Openness to change, willingness to problem-solve, and interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.
Ability to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, with self-awareness and a desire to develop cultural competence as a mental health or social work clinician.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a public or charter school setting.
Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, or Arabic.
Ability to discuss the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture.
Ability to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

Meet weekly with the School Counselor/Site Supervisor to discuss and review student cases, the internship learning plan, and goals.
Manage a weekly caseload of 15 students through direct individual counseling.
Facilitate at least one to two weekly grade-specific social-emotional counseling groups.
Routinely update student files and other progress-tracking documents in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Assess the counseling needs of identified special education students; develop and implement appropriate IEP goals and objectives; and write quarterly progress notes.
Attend IEP and/or interdepartmental meetings for students receiving other related services.
Collaborate and consult with external service providers as needed.
Promote family engagement through consistent communication, sharing available community resources, and meetings.
Consult with the School Counselor/Site Supervisor about outpatient referrals, acute crises, and mandated reporting procedures when necessary.
Improve clinical skills by seeking constructive feedback and professional development opportunities.
Attend weekly grade-level team meetings to report on student progress as needed.
Participate as an active member of weekly Student Support Team meetings to review and consult on high-priority student cases.
Attend campus and network-wide professional development, school-led DEI training and workshops, and MS Counseling Department professional development sessions throughout the school year.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, the School Psychologist, and other related service providers.
Contribute as a productive member of the Excel community, align student support services with the school's mission and educational philosophy, and participate in upholding staff norms.
Meaningfully participate in Friday meetings, school professional development, and Family Conferences.
Do whatever is needed to help fulfill the school's mission.