School Counselor

ChanceLight Programs•San Francisco Bay Area, CA

3d•$70,000 - $75,000

About The Position

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs , a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a School Counselor to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction! If you thrive in a dynamic, student-centered, support-focused environment, seek a career with meaningful impact, and possess a compassionate spirit, creative mindset, and unwavering commitment to student success — We Should Talk! As a School Counselor , you are primarily responsible for helping students to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally, through individual and group counseling and by collaborating with educators, parents, and other professionals to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment that strengthens connections between home and school. This position works under the support and direction of the Area/Regional VP, Operations and onsite Program Directors to enhance the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of students through use of evidence-based interventions and in collaboration with the operations and educational staff from each campus within the assigned area.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in educational counseling, therapy, social work or a closely related field of study.
Meet all state and district requirements for appropriate licensing or credentials.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT) credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with autism related disabilities, emotional disturbance and/or challenging behaviors.
Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data-based decision making, and functional analysis/behavior intervention plans.
Proven success in developing and implementing effective treatment plans for students with diverse needs, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
Advanced oral and written communication, instruction, curriculum, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision making ability.
Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a special education credential highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Providing individual and group counseling sessions to help resolve interpersonal or family problems that interfere with school performance, including crisis intervention consultation as needed.
Conducting interviews with students, family members, and school personnel to gather information required to assess student social, emotional and behavioral adjustment to school and the community.
Maintaining regular contact with students' parents/guardians to inform of student's progress, areas of difficulties and any changes or situations in home life that may affect school performance.
Developing and updating Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (PBIP) as needed in adherence to company, school, state and federal regulations and procedures.
Attending and participating in IEP team meeting, facilitating at the discretion of the school district.
Actively participating in other team meetings when necessary to address specific student and parent concerns.
Collaborating with education and social services professionals to develop appropriate agency services for students and their families.
Providing case management functions for students, which includes but is not limited to, coordination of parent meetings, emergency transportation requests, disciplinary actions such as detention/suspension, and coordination with outside therapists.
Collaborating with teachers, parents/guardians, district personnel, and services providers to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems, always establishing and maintaining effective public relations and projecting a positive company image.
Ensuring the use of positive teaching methods by conducting monthly climate data through direct observation of classroom staff's implementation of IEP goals and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans.
Providing guidance, consultation, and assistance to Teachers in the development of classroom schedules, maintenance of student data systems and facilitation of student transition plans to assure appropriate curriculum, schedule, and services, based on each student's IEP and other applicable goals.
Assessing student progress through consistent review of classroom data collection and recording systems and providing applicable training and guidance to classroom staff accordingly to address student needs.
Functioning as a role model for effective teaching of students as well as for communication and problem solving with staff, reinforcing the School's emphasis on behavior analytic, empirical approach to education, the extensive use of data in decision making, and the use of positive reinforcement to achieve maximum performance when working with students and co-workers.