School Counselor Intern - UTRGV Grant-Funded (26-27)

IDEA Public Schools•Weslaco, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Counselor Intern, in collaboration with the campus assigned School Counselor, will co-lead the campus family engagement vision, social emotional learning program, and coordination of mental health and counseling supports for all scholars. This role is integral to implementing IDEA Public Schools' key tenets of family engagement, social emotional learning, and student social emotional support, ensuring staff build authentic relationships with students and families. Data maintenance and analysis are key components of effective intervention implementation. The intern will assist the assigned School Counselor in directing and holding campus team members accountable for their roles, ensuring clear understanding of responsibilities, access to data, and inspiration to engage meaningfully with students and parents. The ultimate goal is for all students to acquire the academic and social skills necessary for college success. Through this work, the intern will help ensure schools are physically and emotionally safe environments conducive to learning, growth, and success both inside and outside the classroom. This is a grant-funded position for the Fall 26-27 semester, requiring fulfillment of intern hours within one UTRGV semester. Funding may be extended, but there is no guarantee of ongoing employment. All duties are allowable and allocable to the grant. This is a part-time, on-site position located in the Rio Grande Valley, with preference given to local candidates or those willing to relocate. Travel is expected (20-30%), requiring a valid driver's license and vehicle insurance, with mileage reimbursement available.

Requirements

Working to obtain Master's degree in School counseling through UTRGV School Counseling Program
Previous experience in a school or school setting
Working to Obtain TX School Counselor Certificate or Mental Health Provider License through UTRGV School Counseling Program
Proven track record of success
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage student behavior
Belief in and alignment with IDEA’s mission and values is non-negotiable
Ability to adjust and adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment
Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
Must be able to climb ladders or scaffolding, or climb and work in overhead areas
Must be able to work in a confined space or to crawl or move about on hands and knees.
Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 20 pounds (regularly/occasionally)
Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, running and climbing stairs.
Must be able to lift and carry small children up to 40 pounds in case of emergency.
Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including in times of excessive heat or cold

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to candidates who live in the Rio Grande Valley, or who are willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

Co-Leads the execution of the school vision for retaining all students at the school by directing and managing all stakeholders at the campus in their roles and responsibilities in family engagement and student persistence.
Provides individual/group counseling for at-risk students and refers students who need intense or specialized services to campus-based Licensed Mental Health Providers and/or outside agencies.
Co-Leads the planning of and execution of student and family engagement events that are aligned to the school’s culture, community and family needs and promotes authentic relationship building between the school and the family.
Co-Partners with the grade level teams to help identify and coordinate intervention for at-risk students with responsibility and accountability structures for Grade Level Admin, API’s, GTLs and Teachers.
Leads parent conversations and problem solves to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students and families in collaboration with campus lead team.
Maintain knowledge of community agencies as a resource to meet student and school needs.
Directs implementation of state mandated guidance lessons to all students to develop life skills, promote good character, and develop resilience.
Conducts individual and group check-ins and advising meetings with students to address social-emotional issues and provide campus-based supports.
Directs and manages through influence all campus team members to their role in family engagement to retain new students from year to year.
Co-Lead the planning and execution of specific new parent events to welcome the new parents to the campus and helps them integrate and get acclimated to the campus culture and expectations with campus lead team.
Conducts individual and group check-ins and advising sessions with new students to build community and sense of belonging.
Co-Lead teacher and campus training on Move This World curriculum and implementation expectations.
Identify and utilize best practice strategies to invest and create a culture of excitement around the integration of an SEL curriculum in the daily schedule.
Conduct regular rotating co-observations of Move This World blocks using observation rubric.
Provide teachers feedback on observation rubric at least 1x/month.
Co-Conduct BOY and EOY assessment on SEL competencies, school climate, safety, and sense of belonging.
Review data and create action steps to address campus needs.
Collaborates with key stakeholders to meet district expectations for successful implementation of district family engagement and social emotional learning priorities.
Co-Facilitates Family Engagement Events.
Meets parent and student completion expectations in Fall and Spring survey administrations.
Co-Facilitates bullying prevention month and mental health awareness month activities.