Temporary School Counselor

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy•Aurora, IL

6d•$53,381 - $66,726

About The Position

This is a temporary, anticipated 8 week position (could be slighlty more or less depending on Academy needs), filling in for a leave during the Spring 2026 semester. The selected candidate will be responsible for counseling students on a drop-in basis, providing outside resources for students and families, assessing student needs, developing peer support group programs, and assisting with the coordination of the sophomore navigation program as a part of implementing a comprehensive counseling program focused on social and emotional learning. The selected candidate may assist in the training of residential life staff with appropriate counseling skills and provide support for student leadership development. The Temporary School Counselor will be supervised and evaluated by the Executive Director of Student Affairs. The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10–12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry. The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition. This Equity and Excellence work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative. This position will support IMSA's Diversity work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive constituent-centered support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

Requirements

Master's degree in a counseling related field.
Illinois Licensed Professional Couselor/Licensed Social Worker (LPC/LSW)
Experience in an educational setting
Experience working with high school age students
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and diverse populations
Ability to work independently, resolve issues, seek help when needed, and work on concurrent projects
Experienced user of common computer hardware, office productivity software, and mobile devices
Must possess a valid driver’s license
Ability to travel as needed

Nice To Haves

Illinois license in counseling or certification in social work (LCPC, LCSW)
Working with gifted and talented students
5+ years of clinical experience with adolescents
Bilingual - Spanish

Responsibilities

Support the emotional, psychosocial and overall psychological wellbeing of the students (currently through virtual support services)
Assist the students in adjusting to the rigors of the IMSA academic and social environment
Provide brief solution-focused therapy to students in need
Provide crisis management and crisis intervention as needed
Mediate conflicts between students, students and faculty, or students and staff
Assess and refer students and families to appropriate resources
Conduct presentations, centered on issues relevant to gifted adolescents
Advocate for students in times of stress with staff, faculty and other students
Meet with the student and parent for academic concerns, mental health issues, residential or behavioral concerns, and issues originating at home
Provide on call crisis intervention 24/7 for students when needed
Consult with Resident Counselors and other staff members regarding student issues
Train Resident Counselors and staff members on various issues related to student mental, emotional and social health
Mandated reporting for child abuse and neglect
Conduct brief group counseling for special interest groups
Coordinate and participate in various programs such as Sophomore Navigation and the Senior Transitional Education Program (STEP)
Communicate with parents whenever a student experiences serious psychological problems
Collaborate with Student Life team members and Academy partners to support students’ social and emotional needs
Perform psychosocial screenings on students of concern
Serve on various department and community-wide teams
Establish relationships with local mental health agencies and professionals
Attend staff meetings including Student Life department and residence hall meetings
Complete required documentation and administrative tasks
Participate in Summer Orientation and Summer Excel program
Other duties as assigned by the Chief Student Affairs Officer
Contribute to the overall success of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s strategic plan
Ability to work irregular schedules, including periodic evening and/or weekend hours