High School Counselor - Georgia Connections Academy

Position Summary

Working from our office in Duluth, Georgia, or from your home in Georgia, the High School Counselor will assist students and parents/learning coaches with course selection, scheduling and will be the initial point of contact for student concerns that span multiple subject areas as well as non-academic issues.

All GACA staff must be able to participate in monthly in-person activities, including but not limited to: School and department meetings, Student engagement opportunities, Required training/development, School-level events, such as state testing and graduation.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist students and families with successful transition into the program;
• Work with a diversity of students with special needs, including students with section 504 plans;
• Follow up with students and families to ensure that they are staying on track and fulfilling the requirements of our school;
• Build relationships with students and families through email, phone calls, and in person when necessary;
• Proactively be able to troubleshoot and problem solve student and family issues and understand the proper channels of communication;
• Work with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources;
• Advise students and families related to academics, early college and career planning;
• Aid students and parents with the school course selection process according to specific state credit requirements, postsecondary plans and student needs and interests;
• Aid students and parents with the school course selection process according to specific state credit requirements, postsecondary plans and student needs and interests;
• Aid students and parents with the school course selection process according to specific state credit requirements, postsecondary plans and student needs and interests;
• Implement programs for students and families related to interpersonal adjustment issues;
• Participate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans for the school and serve as a key member of a multidisciplinary support team;
• Report and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as obligated by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards.
• Stay abreast of all state regulations relating to incident reporting and documentation;
• Aid teachers when students enroll mid-semester, making sure that teachers receive guidance on integrating the students into their coursework, and ensuring that previous grades, credits, and evaluations are handled appropriately;
• And other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Strong commitment to equitable practice, high expectations, and individualized student support;
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills;
• Effective collaboration within virtual and in-person teams;
• Strong organizational skills and timely completion of all required documentation;
• Comfort with technology-based instruction and virtual learning tools;
• Flexibility, problem-solving ability, and a student-centered mindset;
• Strong interpersonal skills, which include the ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds;
• Willingness to travel for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel);
• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families;
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication.

Qualifications

• Masters Degree or higher in Counselor Education/School Counseling (from an accredited institution)
• CERTIFICATION/LICENSE Georgia Clearance Certificate Georgia Service Certificate in School Counseling
• Requirements: Possess a Georgia School Counseling certification Must have a Clearance Certificate through the Department of Education or be able to obtain one within the first 30 days of the first day of hire.
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Highly organized and punctual
• Student and family-focused approach
• Experience in teaching or supporting Title I schools
• High degree of flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
• Team player track record