School Counselor, 2021-2022 School Year

In order to be considered for this position please apply via our Careers Page.

Company Summary

Oregon Connections Academy is a free public online school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Oregon. Connections Academy schools are supported by Connections Education LLC, which is accredited by Cognia, formerly AdvancED. Oregon Connections Academy is authorized by the Prairie City School District to serve students throughout Oregon.

Oregon Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Working from your home office within Oregon, the School Counselor will virtually assist students and parents/learning coaches with course selection, scheduling and will be the initial point of contact for student concerns that span multiple subject areas as well as non-academic issues. The School Counselor will become an expert on course and credit requirements for middle and high school students. 

The School Counselor will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Advise students and families related to academics;
• Keep current on all high school graduation requirements, including special requirements such as community service, and communicate this information to the Director of Counseling and to the principal;
• Assist students and parents with the secondary course selection process according to specific state credit requirements and student needs and interests;
• Advise students with issues related to dropping courses and changing schedules, seeking support as needed, while ensuring that the school’s course selection and drop policies are adhered to;
• Review student transcripts and the entry of credits into the online transcript system;
• Follow procedures to ensure that Connections Academy transcripts are accurate and up-to-date;
• Work with the administrative assistants to obtain school records from the student’s previous school (where applicable) and forwarding student records when appropriate;
• Implement programs for students and families related to interpersonal adjustment issues;
• Work with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources;
• Participate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans for the school and serve as a key member of the Student Support Team (SST);
• Coordinate a team of school teachers to help identify students who are “at risk” or “in crisis”; Act as the main point of contact for these students and families, communicating regularly with them;
• Oversee and maintain the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) for each student;
• Implement efforts to secure complete and accurate records for Connections Academy students;
• Support families through the school withdrawal process, assisting with data collection regarding withdrawal;
• Report and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as obligated by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards. Stay current on all state regulations relating to incident reporting and documentation;
• Implement special programs such as Advanced Placement support, SAT and ACT Preparation, and college entrance preparation;
• Understand the requirements for and assist the principal to facilitate the administration of all high school testing, including exit exams, PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams;
• Help students to research and understand their post-secondary career and educational options;
• Assist with student preparation of applications for college and jobs;
• Educate students and parents about college admissions requirements and financial aid;
• Support the coordination of high school graduation ceremonies;
• Support professional development activities for teachers and school staff members; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Must hold an Oregon School Counseling license
• Master’s degree in Counseling
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Exhibit a high level of work ethic and the ability to effectively manage time and work independently
• Skilled in problem-solving and motivating students
• Customer focused approach
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• High degree of flexibility
• Team player with demonstrated leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)
• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families
• Ability to work remotely

In order to be considered for this position please apply via our Careers Page.