School Counselor

Department: SPT - Guidance & Counseling | Location: Academy | Reports To: Headmaster | FLSA Status: Exempt

About the Role

The School Counselor/Social Worker is responsible for planning and overseeing school counseling services, managing and conducting therapy for IEP, 504, and general education students, providing crisis support, and acting as a liaison for students with social and emotional needs.

Responsibilities

General Education Support

• Provide recurring direct and group school-based counseling to general education students identified through a referral process.
• Respond to and provide limited-scope direct and group crisis counseling to students and staff in emergency situations.
• On an on-call basis, respond to students experiencing active suicidal and/or homicidal ideation, threats, and acute psychosis.
• Collaborate with families, academy administration, and staff to develop safety plans for students based on their needs and psychiatric presentation.
• Consult with families, Great Hearts, and Academy administrative staff in assessing threat and risk to self and others.
• Provide referral information for local and community agencies where continued and long-term support may be obtained.

Special Education Support

• Provide direct personal and group counseling and consultative services to students with IEPs, assisting general education staff with behavioral accommodations and behavior plans.
• Develop a schedule for planned counseling sessions, primarily in the west valley and potentially in the north part of town.
• Maintain ongoing communication and collaboration with parents, staff, and administrative staff regarding student planning and progress.
• Attend applicable IEP and special education evaluation meetings, completing relevant portions of special education paperwork and quarterly progress reports.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, educational psychology, school psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy (or equivalent).
• Preferred experience in crisis counseling, safety/threat assessment, and school-based counseling.
• Specialized training and experience in working with students with disabilities is ideal.
• Certification as LMSW, LCSW, MFT, LPC, or equivalent.

Physical Requirements

• Requires standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching.
• May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements. Local travel may be required for training and professional development opportunities.