School Counseling Specialist

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Indiana Department of Education provides innovative support to Indiana schools, teachers, students, and parents. We proactively work with educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community-based organizations to build student success. Our strategic priorities include: Delivering quality, purposeful educational opportunities for each student. Elevating and supporting Indiana’s educators. Increasing partnerships and delivering aligned, effective, and efficient support. The Indiana Department of Education is seeking a School Counseling Specialist to support the statewide rollout of Indiana's new diploma and its readiness seals (Enrollment, Employment, Enlistment). This role will serve as a key liaison between IDOE and district counselors as schools transition from Core 40 to the new diploma ahead of full implementation for the class of 2029, helping counselors navigate course eligibility, credential-of-value pathways, and work-based learning requirements. The Specialist will support district and school counselors in strengthening academic advising practices that connect students to more relevant, personalized learning experiences - helping ensure coursework and career pathways feel meaningful rather than mandatory, and are designed with student wellness and engagement in mind. This includes helping counselors translate diploma flexibility into individualized plans that reflect each student's interests and goals, while supporting the whole-student focus that underlies Indiana's diploma redesign. The ideal candidate brings direct school counseling experience, familiarity with Indiana's Graduation Pathways and CTE/CSA landscape, and the ability to translate policy changes into practical guidance for school-level practitioners.

Requirements

Specialized knowledge in educational systems obtained through experience and/or education
Specialized knowledge of education programs and services including pertinent rules and regulations.
Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
Ability to develop and implement new processes and approaches and discern any far-reaching implications.
Ability to communicate effectively both internal and external customers, the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
At least 6+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Direct school counseling experience
Familiarity with Indiana's Graduation Pathways and CTE/CSA landscape
Ability to translate policy changes into practical guidance for school-level practitioners.

Responsibilities

Monitor education program/initiative objectives, outcomes, and actions to achieve agency goals.
Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to constituents within educational institutions.
Implement strategic action plans to address program gaps and opportunities.
Prepare and disseminate reports on program effectiveness.
Ensure program requirements adhere to federal and state policies and grants compliance.
Assist in the training and development of education system employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies.

Benefits

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
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