School Counselor

This position supports IMSA's Diversity Stance by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive constituent-centered support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students on a drop-in basis
• Provide outside resources for students and families
• Assess needs and develop peer support group programs
• Assist with the coordination of the sophomore navigation program
• Assist in the training of Residence Life staff with appropriate counseling skills
• Provide support for student leadership development
• Support the emotional, psychosocial, and overall psychological wellbeing of students
• Assist students in adjusting to the rigors of the IMSA academic and social environment, including providing solution-focused therapy, crisis management, crisis intervention, and advocating for students in times of stress with staff, faculty, and other students
• Assess and refer students and families to appropriate resources
• Conduct presentations centered on issues relevant to gifted adolescents
• Advocate for students in times of stress with staff, faculty, and other students
• Meet with students and parents for academic concerns, mental health issues, residential or behavioral concerns, and issues originating at home
• Consult with Resident Counselors and other staff members regarding student issues
• Train Resident Counselors and staff members on various issues related to student mental, emotional, and social health
• Mandated reporting for child abuse and neglect
• Conduct brief group counseling for special interest groups
• Coordinate and participate in various programs such as Sophomore Seminar and the Senior Transitional Education Program (STEP)
• Communicate with parents when a student experiences serious psychological problems
• Collaborate with Student Affairs team members and Academy partners to support students’ social and emotional needs
• Perform psychosocial screenings on students of concern and refer students for external assessment when needed
• Serve on various department and community-wide teams
• Establish relationships with local mental health agencies and professionals
• Attend staff meetings including Student Affairs department and residence hall meetings
• Complete required documentation and administrative tasks
• Assist with divisional and campus-wide events such as Preview Day, Graduation, Carnival, Convocation, Registration, Welcome Week, and Orientation
• Contribute to the overall success of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s strategic plan
• Work irregular schedules, including periodic evening and/or weekend hours
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Master's degree in a counseling-related field
• Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Experience in an educational setting
• Experience working with high school-age students
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and diverse populations
• Ability to work independently, resolve issues, seek help when needed, and work on concurrent projects
• Experienced user of common computer hardware, office productivity software, and mobile devices
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to travel as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with gifted and talented students
• 5+ years of clinical experience with adolescents
• Bilingual (Spanish)

Schedule

• Typically Monday through Friday, 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
• Participate in the on-call counseling rotation during times when students are present on campus, including evenings, overnight hours, and weekends, as assigned

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards
• Substantial time is spent working on a computer
• Physical activities include talking, hearing, visual acuity, sitting, walking, bending, stooping, finger dexterity, repetitive motions
• Loading, unloading, and moving materials/boxes weighing up to 50 pounds

Pay

This is a full-time, exempt, 10-month, employment-at-will position with a beginning salary range of $55,426.38 - $69,282.88.

Benefits

• Comprehensive state benefits package (major medical, dental, vision, and prescription)
• Generous paid time off plan
• Retirement plan through the State University Retirement System (SURS), reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as TRS and IMRF