Counselor

The counselor has responsibilities including counseling students on a drop-in basis, providing outside resources for students and families, assessing needs and developing peer support group programs, assisting with the coordination of the sophomore navigation program, assisting in the training of Residence Life staff with appropriate counseling skills, and providing support for student leadership development. An Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCPC or LCSW) is a requirement of the position. A Professional Educator License (PEL) is not required. The Counselor will be supervised and evaluated by the Coordinator of School Counseling. The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Through a model of Equity and Excellence, 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 Model 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. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Support the emotional, psychosocial and overall psychological wellbeing of the students Assist students in adjusting to the rigors of the IMSA academic and social environment, including providing solution-focused therapy, crisis management and crisis intervention and advocating for students in times of stress with staff, faculty and other students.Assess and refer students and families to appropriate resourcesConduct presentations, centered on issues relevant to gifted adolescentsAdvocate for students in times of stress with staff, faculty and other studentsMeet with the student and parent for academic concerns, mental health issues, residential or behavioral concerns, and issues originating at homeConsult with Resident Counselors and other staff members regarding student issuesTrain Resident Counselors and staff members on various issues related to student mental, emotional and social healthMandated reporting for child abuse and neglectConduct brief group counseling for special interest groupsCoordinate and participate in various programs such as Sophomore Seminar and the Senior Transitional Education Program (STEP)Communicate with parents when a student experiences serious psychological problemsCollaborate with Student Affairs team members and Academy partners to support students’ social and emotional needsPerform psychosocial screenings on students of concern, and refer students for external assessment when neededServe on various department and community-wide teamsEstablish relationships with local mental health agencies and professionalsAttend staff meetings including Student Affairs department and residence hall meetingsComplete required documentation and administrative tasksAssist with divisional and campus-wide events such as Preview Day, Graduation, Carnival, Convocation, Registration, Welcome Week and Orientation, as assigned by the Chief Student Affairs Officer.Contribute to the overall success of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s strategic planAbility to work irregular schedules, including periodic evening and/or weekend hoursOther duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications Master's degree in a counseling related field.Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor/Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCPC or LCSW) Experience in an educational settingExperience working with high school age studentsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsDemonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and diverse populationsAbility to work independently, resolve issues, seek help when needed, and work on concurrent projectsExperienced user of common computer hardware, office productivity software, and mobile devicesMust possess a valid driver’s licenseAbility to travel as needed PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Working with gifted and talented students5+ years of clinical experience with adolescentsBilingual - Spanish WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This role requires the following physical activities talking, hearing and visual acuity, sitting, walking, bending, stooping, finger dexterity, repetitive motions, loading, unloading and moving materials/boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. COMPENSATION This position is a full-time, exempt, 10-month, employment-at-will position. Beginning salary no less than $55,426.38 - $69.282.88. IMSA offers a comprehensive state benefits package (major medical, dental, vision, and prescription) with rates found here, a generous paid time off plan, and a retirement plan through the State University Retirement System (SURS). SURS is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). To continue moving diversity, equity and inclusion forward, IMSA seeks to recruit, support, and retain diverse, talented individuals who are culturally competent, equity- minded, and constituent-centered. IMSA provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, amnesty, arrest record, military status, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.