Temporary School Counselor

About the Role

This is a temporary, anticipated 8-week position (duration may vary slightly based on Academy needs), filling in for a leave during the Fall 2026 semester. The selected candidate will support IMSA's mission by delivering a comprehensive counseling program focused on social and emotional learning. The Temporary School Counselor will be supervised and evaluated by the Coordinator of School Counseling.

IMSA develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program and serves thousands of educators and students through innovative instructional programs.

This position supports IMSA’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion by ensuring equitable, inclusive constituent-centered support and fostering an environment that embraces diverse perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Support the emotional, psychosocial, and overall psychological wellbeing of students (currently through virtual support services).
• Assist students in adjusting to the rigors of the IMSA academic and social environment.
• Provide brief solution-focused therapy to students in need.
• Provide crisis management and crisis intervention as needed.
• Mediate conflicts between students, students and faculty, or students and staff.
• Assess and refer students and families to appropriate resources.
• Advocate for students during times of stress with staff, faculty, and other students.
• Meet with students and parents regarding academic concerns, mental health issues, residential or behavioral concerns, and home-related issues.
• Consult with Resident Counselors and other staff members regarding student issues.
• Perform mandated reporting for child abuse and neglect.
• Conduct brief group counseling for special interest groups.
• Communicate with parents when a student experiences serious psychological problems.
• Collaborate with Student Life team members and Academy partners to support students’ social and emotional needs.
• Perform psychosocial screenings on students of concern.
• Establish relationships with local mental health agencies and professionals.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Complete required documentation and administrative tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Student Affairs.
• Contribute to the success of IMSA’s strategic plan.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a counseling-related field.
• Illinois Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Social Worker (LSW).
• Experience in an educational setting.
• Experience working with high school-age students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse populations.
• Ability to work independently, resolve issues, and manage concurrent projects.
• Proficiency with common computer hardware, office productivity software, and mobile devices.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Illinois license in counseling or certification in social work (LCPC, LCSW).
• Experience working with gifted and talented students.
• 5+ years of clinical experience with adolescents.
• Bilingual (Spanish).

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. The role requires:

• Talking, hearing, and visual acuity.
• Sitting, walking, bending, and stooping.
• Finger dexterity and repetitive motions.
• Loading, unloading, and moving materials/boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.

Pay

This is a temporary, non-exempt, full-time position, though part-time accommodations may be considered. The hourly rate ranges from $37.45/hr to $46.81/hr, depending on education level and years of experience, pro-rated to hours and length of time worked. This position is not benefits-eligible.