Middle School Counselor

About the Role

The Middle School Counselor promotes student success by providing preventive services and responding to identified needs through implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program that helps guide all learners in their academic success, social and emotional development, and career and college planning and readiness. This is a full-time position with Dogwood Virtual School (DVS), a Stride K12 partner school.

Required Certificates and Licenses

• North Carolina School Counselor Certification
• School Counselor License

Residency Requirements

Must reside in North Carolina.

Schedule

School year 2026/2027. Ability to work independently, typically 40+ hours per week is required. Ability to maintain a professional home office without distraction during workday, typically 9-5 (or 8-4) or as defined by the school.

Responsibilities

• Helps all students: plan for postsecondary options (enroll in education, enlist in military option, employ in work force); apply academic achievement strategies; manage emotions and apply interpersonal skill
• Focuses students and families on college and career readiness
• Meets quarterly with all students on caseload to review graduation plan and post-secondary options
• Delivers classroom instruction based on student success standards
• Reviews transcripts and other academic documentation for new and returning students
• Works collaboratively with teaching staff to develop a four (4) year graduation plan and audits student schedules for candidacy for graduation as determined by school and state policies
• Assists students in course placement including recommendations on Advanced Placement (AP) and pathways to challenge and enrich student learning opportunities
• Analyzes student data and develops data-driven programs for intervention action plans
• Provides short-term counseling to students and referrals for long-term support, as necessary
• Provides a support system that strengthens the efforts of teachers, staff, and parents
• Supports standardized testing program; parent education; and staff development
• May advocate for students at individual education plan meetings and other student-focused meetings
• Focuses students and families on goal setting and academic planning for college and career readiness
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time for face-to-face professional development, student testing, and/or as required by the school

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Three (3) years of experience in counseling and/or advisement
• School Counselor License
• Ability to clear required background check
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Web-based search engines, and database systems
• Flexible schedule
• Ability to travel as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in school counseling
• Experience with distance learning
• Advanced coursework in counseling and administration
• Experience as a teacher
• Experience in a customer service environment
• Experience with Local, State, and Federal laws and mandated reporting
• Experience in a charter school environment preferred
• Experience with state career planning systems, Pathfinder, or other career planning platforms/tools

Work Environment

This is a virtual role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.