Job Title: Learning Center School Counselor 

Department: Special Services

Reports To: VLC Site Principal

Compensation Range: $73,000 - $75,000

Classification: Classified

Summary:

The Learning Center School Counselor will be responsible for providing school counseling services for designated students at each site, grades PreK-6th and/or grades 7-12 . Furthermore, this position will work closely with VLC teachers, At-Risk Student Specialist, and Epic leadership to ensure students receive well-rounded academic, social, and emotional support. 

The Learning Center Student Support Counselor will provide in-person counseling, appraisal, advisement, and social, emotional, and behavioral intervention/support to ensure student success at the learning centers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Implement a comprehensive counseling program that includes prevention and intervention support in the areas of psychological health, social services, crisis response, and mental health education using the WSCC model. 
• Provide large group, small group, and individual short-term counseling services, appraisal and advisement, and instruction in prevention, psychoeducation, and behavioral intervention. 
• Make referrals to interventionists, special services, mental health agencies, department of human services, and other community resources as needed. .
• Identifying factors that enhance and impede students’ academic, career, and social and emotional development
• Utilize a tiered support framework to address students’ psychological, academic, and social barriers to learning. 
• Collaborate with the directors of graduation support, college and career readiness, and SEL to align best-practice into a comprehensive school counseling model in accordance with Oklahoma Administrative Code 210:35-3-106 Guidance and Counseling Services.
• Train and support educators and families in trauma-informed best practices, mental health legislation, crisis response and recovery, and the interconnected systems framework to ensure cohesive services and supports are provided to students and families. 
• Collaborate with site administrators, educators, families, and students to ensure early identification of at risk students, and connect students to mental health services as needed. 
• Assess the use of time in direct and indirect student services, program management, and school support to determine how much time is spent on each school counseling program component 
• Collect and maintain implementation and outcome data on programming and services and utilize data for decision making. 
• Stay current on best practices and trends in counseling, psychological, and social services. 
• Follow Oklahoma’s mandated reporting laws and regulations and adhere to the ethical and statutory limits of confidentiality 
• Utilize developmentally appropriate counseling theories and techniques that are effective in a school setting and designed to promote academic, career, social, emotional, and behavioral development
• Provide direct student services based on age and developmental need of students in a wide range of grades and ability levels to ensure success for every student
• Use the ASCA student mindsets and behaviors standards to drive comprehensive counseling and instruction for students
• Follow the American School Counselor Association Ethical Standards to demonstrate high standards of integrity, leadership, and professionalism

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• None

Education and/or Experience

• Master degree in school counseling, counseling psychology, or related field
• Experience and knowledge of comprehensive school counseling and related legislation 
• Certified School Counselor 
• Licensed mental health provider preferred 

Qualifications 

• Advanced understanding of comprehensive school counseling programs
• Ability to collect and analyze data from a variety of sources
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Demonstrates ability to think creatively and demonstrates leadership abilities
• Ability to build effective relationships, work collaboratively and gain credibility quickly to instill confidence of teaching ability
• Strong decision-making, organizational, planning, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Use effective positive interpersonal communication skills
• Resolve issues and conflicts
• Strong technology skills in up-to-date computer software including Zoom, word processing and spreadsheets
• Current on new instructional technologies
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others
• Demonstrates self-discipline and initiative
• Passionate commitment to the mission of school choice
• Ability to maintain professional confidentiality and comply with FERPA guidelines

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to communicate effectively with students, families and coworkers, both verbally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information to students, families and supervisor.

Mathematical Skills

Basic math skills required

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Google applications, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience with EdPlan preferred. Must have a high aptitude to learn new software as necessary for the business operations of the school.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

• Current driver's license and valid car insurance
• Google certification preferred
• Oklahoma School Counseling Certification 
• Preferred: licensed mental health professional or licensed social worker

Other Qualifications

• Must be able to pass a state-mandated background check after a conditional offer of employment is made
• Must have favorable employment references

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is remotely based and also must travel to various Epic sites. This requires spending a significant amount of time in the car, driving in various conditions and at various times of day. The noise level is quiet to moderately loud (when students are present.)