School Counselor - Middle (Immediate)

KIPP Capital Region Public Schools•Albany, NY

12d•$57,500 - $63,000•Onsite

About The Position

The School Counselor will assist students in academic achievement, personal or social development, and career exploration so that each student can identify personal goals, strengths, weaknesses, and interests and grow to become well-adjusted, productive, and successful.

Requirements

Commitment to anti-racism and equity
Strong DEI lens with exceptional creative power in leading anti-racist practices
Thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented, mission-driven culture
Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback
Strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and flexibility to accommodate the high level of responsibility, multiple priorities, and rapidly changing environment
Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams in a rapidly changing environment.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule outside of regular business hours.
Ability to create and work within an inclusive environment that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.
Pass a Criminal Background Check
MSW or Master’s degree in a counseling-related discipline
Experience working within a school environment or extensive work with children or young adults
Experience in therapeutic modalities related to children and families in traditionally underserved communities, including assessment and treatment of trauma.
A strong work ethic, extensive knowledge of child and adolescent development, and a documented track record of personal and professional success
Ability to work a flexible schedule outside of regular business hours.
Aptitude to create and work within an inclusive environment that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in schools and urban communities is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide regular one-on-one counseling or group counseling to students and families.
Offer crisis intervention to students and families as needed.
Managing, tracking, and documenting student interactions and counseling schedules.
Setting goals with students and tracking progress towards those goals.
Working directly with students to help them successfully work towards high school graduation, college matriculation, and self-sufficiency.
Collaborating and communicating daily with supervisors, colleagues, and teachers to meet students’ needs.
Work collaboratively with your school team and those across KIPP Capital Region.
Help develop a school-wide culture that best fits the needs of our students, teachers, and families.
Attend and participate in all staff meetings and communicate openly with staff and school leadership.
Develop positive rapport with students and families.
Ensure a safe, positive environment in group and one-on-one counseling sessions.
Enforce, uphold, and exhibit the school’s values, student management policies, and culture.
Support the Principals, Deans, and teachers when discipline issues arise.
Consult with the school’s Student Support Team to develop comprehensive support and interventions for students who are presenting challenging behaviors.
Establish and maintain strong communication lines with all parents and share progress consistently.
Be available for open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and other events involving parents and families.
Make themself available to students, parents, and other staff members.
Design and coordinate student engagement, family engagement, and family education activities, including: Workshops to educate families and students on specific issues, Professional Development sessions to educate staff, etc.
Pursue challenging professional goals each year.
Willing to offer support and receive constructive feedback from colleagues to create a professional working atmosphere that is conducive to change and improvement.
Participate in school-wide and individual professional development, including pre-service training over the summer and weekly during the academic year (held during school hours).
Assesses students' needs, strengths, and weaknesses through various means, including one-on-one assessments, conversations, or interviews; standardized or aptitude testing; small group activities; and observations throughout the school day.
Collaborates with students to identify career aspirations and academic goals and provides information and answers questions related to college applications and career choices.
Assists students with academic planning, accountability, and organization.
Teaches various skills, including social, study, and test-taking skills.
Counsels students with personal, social, disciplinary, and behavioral issues.
Collaborates with teachers to identify ways to improve students' achievement and social development.
Promptly notifies appropriate authorities of any reports or suspicions of crimes, abuse, or neglect.
Collaborates with other educators, parents, and students to develop, review, renew, and modify Individualized Education Plans or 504 plans for students who qualify.
Perform other duties as outlined by the Director of Operations.
Committed to furthering anti-racism, equity, and racial justice in all our efforts, and expect all our stakeholders to participate in this work so that we can create a future without limits for our students together.
Complies with all charter, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including the NYS Department of Education, Department of Health, and NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Adheres to organization policies and procedures; promotes and supports mission, vision, and values, including developing and participating in internal surveys and data collection for continuous improvement initiatives.