Guidance Counselor

Job Overview

The Part-Time Guidance Counselor at Jazz Hands Musicians Conservatory will meet weekly with students to assess their class and program progress, ensure they remain on track to matriculate through the program, and provide support in completing necessary forms. The counselor will play a pivotal role in helping students stay accountable and achieve their educational and personal development goals.

Job Responsibilities & Duties

• Student Meetings: Conduct weekly one-on-one meetings with students with autism to discuss their progress in classes and the program and provide personalized guidance and assistance throughout the class registration process, understanding and addressing their unique needs. Offer support and reassurance to help them navigate through course options and make informed decisions.

• Identify any academic, social, or personal challenges (relating to their learning) students may and develop strategies to address them.

• Progress Tracking: Monitor student progress through the programs and classes of Enrichment 2 and the Conservatory. Maintain detailed records of each student’s progress, challenges, and achievements in the student progress document. Provide regular updates to the Program Director and instructional faculty regarding student progress.

• Interpret assessments to help students understand their strengths, interests, and areas for improvement (including diagnostic assessment and some Moodle assessment, as applicable). Use assessment results to inform individualized support plans (student progress document).

• Support and Accountability: Work closely with students, parents and/or support staff, program director and instructors to ensure students with autism receive individualized guidance regarding their course selection and registration. Develop personalized academic plans, considering their unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Assist students in completing necessary forms and paperwork for program requirements (ex. application for Jazz Hands Jobs, helping students schedule their jury, etc).

• Help students set realistic goals and create action plans to achieve them. Hold students accountable for meeting their goals and completing their coursework. Help interested students prepare necessary skills needed to be eligible for the Jazz Hands Jobs Program.

• Communication and Coordination: Collaborate with instructional faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to student development. Communicate with parents/guardians and/or student at home support staff as necessary to discuss student progress and address any concerns. Organize and facilitate workshops or group sessions on relevant topics (e.g., time management, study skills, personal development), as applicable.

• Program Development: Provide feedback to the Program Director and instructional faculty on potential improvements to the curriculum and student support services using the SIPFAST Form. Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in guidance counseling and neurodiversity support.

• Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support and intervention (or refer students to appropriate entities) in situations where students are experiencing emotional or psychological crises. Coordinate with students’ mental health professionals and other relevant parties if necessary and applicable for students’ learning progress and growth.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Valid counseling certification or license as applicable.
• Experience working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, and staff.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of educational and vocational pathways for musicians is a plus.
• Preferred Skills: Familiarity with music education and the unique needs of student musicians. Experience in creating and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs). Training in neurodiversity and inclusive education practices.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics for this position are typical of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Schedule & Travel

This position requires a flexible schedule with occasional evenings or weekends required for special events or meetings. This position may be required to travel locally on occasion.