School Counselor

Neuse Charter School•Smithfield, NC

17d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Counselor will provide comprehensive counseling services to students, focusing on social/emotional learning, academic support, and career exploration. This role involves collaborating with students, families, staff, and community resources to support student success and well-being. Additionally, the School Counselor will serve as the 504 Plan Coordinator, managing the identification, evaluation, and implementation of accommodations for students with disabilities under Section 504. This includes coordinating meetings, developing plans, and ensuring compliance with federal and state guidelines. The position also involves providing professional development on 504 processes and staying current with relevant laws and best practices. Support for McKinney-Vento Homeless students and other assigned duties are also part of this role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling or related field (social work, family counseling, etc.)
A minimum of 3 years of experience working with 6-12 students in a similar capacity.
Demonstrated understanding of educational systems, legal issues, policies, research, and trends in education.
Ability to apply school counseling professional standards and competencies.
Demonstrated understanding of the impact of cultural, social, and environmental influences on student success and opportunities.
Ability to provide guidance and advice in large-group, small-group, and one-on-one settings.
Ability and willingness to collaborate effectively with students, families, teachers, administrators, and other school staff and stakeholders.
Ability to identify gaps in student achievement, attendance, discipline, opportunity, and resources.
Knowledge of, and ability to implement, relevant technology effectively into counseling and learning environments.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Able to support and articulate the school’s mission, goals, and objectives in a positive and inspirational manner.
Manages confidential information with discretion and care, particularly as it relates to students, and in accordance with FERPA and IDEA.
Relates well with all types of people, approachable, and an attentive and active listener; patient to hear others out and build rapport with dignity and tact; works collaboratively in a team environment.
Able to work effectively in a deadline-driven, multi-priority environment; exhibits effective time management skills and appropriate resource management; communicates interferences and delays to supervisor.
Provides accurate results that are well thought-out and complete; exhibits a high standard for excellence and attention to detail; relays information that is sufficiently detailed and promotes the desired result.
Normal vision (with or without correction).
Normal hearing (with or without correction).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and/or related certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one and group counseling to students on social/emotional learning, self-awareness, self-esteem, problem-solving, conflict resolution, academic support, and career exploration.
Collect pre/post-test data for counseling services where appropriate.
Work collaboratively with students and staff, adhering to NCS policies.
Provide guidance and resources to students and families during times of transition, stress, or critical change.
Engage and collaborate with families, teachers, administrators, and other educational/community resources to support student achievement.
Implement, execute, and document an effective referral and follow-up process.
Report cases of apparent abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities/agencies.
Support New to Neuse families with tours and information.
Assist the Assistant Academy Director with Cougar Camps as requested.
Utilize effective assessment procedures for counseling services.
Identify and maintain relevant resources for students, families, and staff, and provide referrals to community resources.
Adhere to legal and ethical responsibilities, including those related to minor students.
Maintain accurate records as required by NCS policy and applicable laws/regulations.
Engage in ongoing professional development.
Provide additional direct and indirect support based on student and staff needs.
Plan and promote Red Ribbon Week with other School Counselors and the Student Government Association.
Coordinate and deliver informational sessions and workshops for students, families, and staff.
Provide Testing Support to the Testing Coordinator as requested.
Assist with Graduation Week as requested.
Work with the Leadership Team for accreditation information as needed.
Promptly respond to all communication within 2 business days.
Serve as 504 Plan Coordinator for K-12.
Coordinate the identification and evaluation process for students suspected of having a disability under Section 504.
Gather and review educational, medical, psychological, and other relevant data to determine student eligibility for Section 504.
Schedule and facilitate Section 504 team meetings to develop or review plans.
Disseminate updated Section 504 plan information according to federal and state guidelines.
Collaborate with staff, families, and service providers to develop Section 504 accommodation plans.
Ensure the timely implementation of 504 plans and monitor their effectiveness.
Support classroom teachers and staff in implementing accommodations and modifications.
Maintain accurate and confidential 504 records and documentation.
Ensure all procedural safeguards are followed, including parent consent, notice, and grievance procedures.
Prepare reports and respond to inquiries or audits from state or federal agencies.
Provide professional development and training for teachers, administrators, and staff regarding 504 processes and legal obligations.
Stay current on laws, regulations, and best practices related to Section 504 and disability rights in education.
Work collaboratively with special education staff, nurses, and other stakeholders.
Support the L.A. School Counselor with McKinney-Vento Homeless students and information.
Additional duties may be assigned by school leadership as needed.