Temporary School Counselor (MAT Leave)

Reports to: Principal

Primary Function

As vital members of the school’s educational leadership team, professional school counselors provide comprehensive, developmental supports within the academic, personal/social, and career domains to ensure that today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. School counselors are uniquely trained professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. School counselors provide proactive leadership to engage all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help all students achieve success in school.

Responsibilities

• Create, Implement, and Evaluate a Comprehensive School Counseling Program aligned with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) REACH Framework for School Counselors, which is aligned to the American School Counselor Association National Model for School Counseling Programs. The program delivers services equitably to all students in the building.
• Conduct Annual Needs Assessments and Data Reviews to Determine and Prioritize Student Needs:
  • Conduct an annual needs assessment and data review to identify critical areas of student need.
  • Create targeted program goals aligned to the schoolwide goals, mission, and vision to address critical areas of demonstrated need, resulting in improved academic achievement.
• Implement The School Counseling Core Curriculum:
  • Design, conduct, and co-teach learning activities in classroom, large group, and/or school-wide settings based on academic, career, postsecondary, and social/emotional needs of students.
  • Facilitate activities such as classroom guidance, high school/college/career fairs, tours, and grade-level or school-wide team-building activities.
• Provide Individual Student Planning Activities:
  • Collaborate with students, staff, and families to create an academic plan resulting in successful diploma obtainment and postsecondary options.
  • Facilitate completion of the Individual Learning Plan in Naviance, transition activities (e.g., orientations, high school application process), and advisement to ensure students are on-track to the next grade level or phase in life.
• Provide Responsive Services:
  • Address students’ barriers to academic achievement through small groups, structured short-term individual counseling, and participation in building-level student assistance teams.
  • Facilitate conferences with students, teachers, and families; consult with teachers, families, and external partners regarding developmental needs; provide schoolwide support during crisis or emergency situations; participate in IEP/504 Plan teams.
  • Note: School counselors do NOT provide therapeutic treatment of a mental, emotional, or bodily disorder.
• Provide Indirect Student Support:
  • Refer students/families to district and community resources.
  • Share strategies supporting student achievement with parents, teachers, and community organizations.
  • Serve as a student advocate, resident expert on student development, and team/partner with committees and advisory boards.
  • Create formalized partnerships with community-based organizations.
• Provide System Support:
  • Coordinate, conduct, and participate in activities contributing to the effective operation of the school consistent with the approved school counseling program.
  • Create an annual school counseling Evidence-Based Implementation Plan and Annual Agreement to support overall school goals.
  • Deliver needs assessments, collect and aggregate data to determine and progress monitor counseling interventions.
  • Protect planning time for creation and modification of counseling interventions.
  • Coordinate professional development/inservice programs for faculty and staff.
• Participate In Regular Professional Development:
  • Actively engage in district, state, and national professional development.
  • Participate in professional associations, read professional journals, attend workshops and conferences, and engage in continuing education coursework.

Requirements

• Master's degree in school counseling
• Current ISBE Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counseling Endorsement

Benefits

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to employees and their eligible dependents, with a variety of choices to best fit individual needs.

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Dental
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

CPS offers strong retirement and savings options for financial stability.

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values employee well-being and offers competitive paid time off policies.

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Days
• Parental Leaves
• Short-Term Disability
• Religious Holidays
• Leaves

Refer to the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Pay

Salary Range: $64,469.94 to $82,839.39

Position Type: Union

Primary Location: Southwest Side - 950 West 33rd Place (Philip Armour Elementary)