Middle School Counselor

Job Summary:
The Middle School Counselor is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive school-counseling program that is preventative in design, and supports students in the areas of academic achievement, career and college planning, and social emotional development. The Middle School Counselor collaborates with school staff, parents, and the community to create a safe, respectful learning environment where young adolescents can develop their social, emotional, and academic skills.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Uses data to develop and inform the school counseling program and evaluates the program’s impact on the school’s instructional and social emotional learning goals.
• Uses available data, including academic grades, discipline referrals, and attendance data to identify students in need and to deliver services.
• Collaborates on the development and management of the school counseling program with the principal.
• Utilizes responsive counseling, initiating individual and group sessions for students with academic, social, and emotional concerns.
• Intervenes during crises and participates on the school crisis team.
• Collaborates with the feeder high school district to prepare students for the transition to high school.
• Plans and coordinates programs such as step up day for incoming sixth grade students, career and high school fairs, and other extensions of the counseling program to support students.
• Participates in the problem solving and intervention process in order to advocate for students’ needs and provide guidance for school staff.
• Assists families in obtaining services for their children through an appropriate referral and follow-up process.
• Conducts a yearly program audit to review the extent and quality of program implementation.

Qualifications:

• Current and valid state of Illinois Professional Educator License with a school counselor endorsement;
• Two or more years of successful counseling experience with middle school students in a public school setting preferred;
• Outstanding knowledge of adolescent development, social and environmental conditioning, cultural diversity, and family systems;
• Ability to develop a counseling program that teaches students the knowledge, attitudes, and skills required to develop socially and emotionally;
• Skilled listener, problem-solver, and relationship builder;
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills required; and
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary of $55,256 (Please click the link to view the current salary schedule);
• Salary is commensurate with education and experience;
• Qualified candidates may be granted up to twenty years of verified full-time school experience for credit on the salary schedule;
• We offer a mentoring program for counselors who are new to the District;
• The District offers a competitive benefits package, which includes health (Blue Cross Blue Shield), dental (MetLife), vision (VSP) and life insurance plans (2024-2025 CCSD130 Benefit Summary Guide);
• Reimbursement of up to $100 for goods and activities that promote wellness as part of the District's Employee Wellness Program;
• Employee assistance program offered to employees and their immediate family members.

Working Conditions:

• 180 days per year - August through May/June
• Work Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Application Procedure: Submit application on-line www.district130.org

Cook County School District 130 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $55,256.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Public school

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Blue Island, IL 60406 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Blue Island, IL 60406: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,256