Secondary Counselor (2026 - 2027 School Year)

About the Organization

Crossroads Charter Schools develops school environments where all students are actively and meaningfully engaged in rigorous instruction and authentic learning tasks. We work to interrupt the “school to prison pipeline” by addressing policies and practices that push at-risk students out of school. We engage families as partners and nurture an open, collaborative, and trusting environment to support the enormous, deeply personal, and often difficult work of education.

About the Role

The Secondary School Counselor provides a comprehensive counseling program for all students and consults with teachers, parents, and staff to enhance their effectiveness in helping students grow socially, emotionally, personally, and educationally. Utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, the counselor promotes student success, preventive services, and responds to identified student needs through a program addressing academic, career, and personal/social development. The counselor collaborates with staff to co-plan and individualize instruction, accommodate special needs, and overcome instructional challenges.

Responsibilities

• Implement a school guidance curriculum based on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidelines.
• Counsel individuals and groups of students to develop educational, personal, social, and career plans and goals.
• Consult with and train teachers, parents, and staff regarding children’s needs in trauma, behavior, social, and emotional development.
• Refer children with needs and their parents to special programs, specialists, and outside agencies.
• Participate in and coordinate activities contributing to the effective operation of the counseling program.
• Conduct whole-class counseling sessions on topics such as friendship, bullying, self-esteem, and personal safety.
• Help create and sustain a positive learning environment for all students.
• Assist in creating and implementing behavior plans for identified students.
• Provide outlets for students to communicate with staff, serving as a liaison to empower students and build trust.
• Establish and track goals for student performance gains.
• Participate in meetings, training, and professional development.
• Lead building professional development sessions on social-emotional and counseling-related topics.
• Oversee student 504 plans and accommodations.
• Partner with organizations and teams for social-emotional and counseling initiatives.
• Collaborate with the District Social Emotional Learning (SEL) team to create and implement streamlined student supports.
• Serve as the building’s McKinney Vento contact.
• Coordinate family supports via the Impact Mo model.
• Oversee the food pantry for the assigned building.
• Meet professional obligations, including deadlines and schedules.
• Act in a professional and ethical manner, complying with school policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Requirements

• Missouri Certification: Counselor K-12.
• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred; Licensed Professional Counselor.
• Minimum five years of elementary or secondary school counseling experience preferred.
• Strong familiarity with education and child welfare policies and best practices.
• Desire to continue professional development.
• Excellent organization skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to keep multiple stakeholder groups informed, including parents, teachers, staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Enthusiasm for promoting the school and its mission to diverse groups.
• Excellent work ethic, positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to perform assigned tasks.
• Demonstrates ethical behavior and maintains confidentiality.
• Must pass an extensive background check.

Pay

Expected salary is based on the 10-month Compensation Plan. Candidates will be asked to indicate their expected salary during the application process.