High School Counselor - Georgia Connections Academy

About the role

The High School Counselor at Georgia Connections Academy is responsible for assisting students and families with course selection, scheduling, and addressing non-academic issues. They also build relationships with students and families, troubleshoot issues, and work with school teams to identify and help families access resources.

Responsibilities

• Assist students and families with successful transition into the program
• Work with a diversity of students with special needs, including those with Section 504 plans
• Follow up with students and families to ensure they are staying on track and fulfilling requirements of the school
• Build relationships with students and families through email, phone calls, and in-person interactions
• Proactively troubleshoot and problem-solve student and family issues and understand 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 with issues related to dropping courses and changing schedules, seeking support as needed, while ensuring that the school's course selection and drop policies are adhered to
• 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
• Assist 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

Requirements

• Masters Degree or higher in Counselor Education/School Counseling from an accredited institution
• Georgia School Counseling certification
• Georgia Clearance Certificate and Georgia Service Certificate in School Counseling
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Highly organized and punctual
• 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
• Strong interpersonal skills, including 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

Qualifications

• 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