Virtual Learning (ACC, ALE Distance Learning, LRSD Virtual Academy) Counselor Secondary (6th -12th)

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

Ten (10) month contract (205 days), plus benefit package. NOTE: Precise placement within the salary range will be determined based upon education and experience. FLSA: EXEMPT. Salary Range: $

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

The Virtual Learning Counselor is responsible for supporting the academic and emotional well-being of students in non-traditional learning environments. The counselor will create graduation plans tailored to individual student needs, track progress using Edgenuity, and implement strategies to improve student engagement and completion rates. The position requires strong communication with students, families, and staff, and a commitment to helping at-risk youth succeed in virtual and alternative pathways to graduation.

JOB GOAL:   

To provide academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary planning support to students in a virtual and alternative learning environment. The counselor will play a critical role in developing individualized graduation plans, monitoring student attendance and academic performance in Edgenuity, and ensuring that over-aged, under-credited students are supported in accelerating credit recovery and achieving high school graduation. The counselor will serve students in the LRSD Virtual Academy, Accelerated Credit Center, ALE Distance Learning Program, and Pulaski County Juvenile Detention Center.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A master’s degree in secondary counseling and certification by the Arkansas Department of Education. 
2. Arkansas certification in Guidance & Counseling 6th-12th grade. 
3. At least five (5) years’ experience as a teacher and/or counselor. 
4. Evidence of experience in working with students struggling academically. 
5. Evidence of strong organizational skills.
6. Strong interpersonal skills. 
7. Strong technology skills and ability to adapt to virtual learning tools.
8. Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills. 
9. Evidence of a strong commitment to quality desegregated education.

 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of Edgenuity or similar virtual learning platforms, including monitoring tools and progress reports.
• Ability to interpret transcripts, develop credit recovery paths, and create actionable graduation plans.
• Strong understanding of the needs and challenges of at-risk, over-aged, and under-credited students.
• Familiarity with counseling practices in virtual, alternative, and correctional education environments.
• Skilled in building relationships with students from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• Effective communication skills with students, parents, school staff, and community partners.
• Competency in data tracking and analysis to inform interventions and support plans.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practices, restorative strategies, and behavior intervention support.
• Ability to manage a large and varied caseload with organization and flexibility.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, policies, and procedures related to school counseling and virtual education.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to the experiences of students in the juvenile justice and alternative education systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following statements of duties and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of all personnel within this position.

1. Develop and maintain individualized graduation plans for all assigned students.
2. Monitor daily and weekly student attendance, academic progress, and course completion in Edgenuity.
3. Support students in the Accelerated Credit Center with personalized strategies to recover credits and graduate on time or early.
4. Conduct regular academic check-ins and provide counseling support to students in virtual programs and detention settings.
5. Communicate regularly with families and guardians regarding student progress, attendance, and academic expectations.
6. Collaborate with teachers, program coordinators, administrators, and community agencies to ensure comprehensive student support.
7. Maintain detailed records of student progress, interventions, and communication in alignment with district and state requirements.
8. Facilitate transitions for students re-entering from detention or alternative placements back into traditional or virtual schools.
9. Identify and refer students for additional services (e.g., mental health support, tutoring, social services) as needed.
10. Assist with scheduling, academic advising, and coordination of state assessments or graduation-related activities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the counselor will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mental Functions, Physical Requirements, and Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, go up and down stairs, operate foot and hand controls, use a telephone and write. Occasionally the employee must lift and/or move up to twenty (20) or more pounds. This position requires accurate perceiving of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling and working with educational materials and/or objects, and providing oral information. Must have the ability to work for the duration of the daily contracted time period, and to be physically present and at assigned work, with only infrequent unexcused absences, during the contract year. Additional technical skills, knowledge, and abilities may be recommended by immediate supervisor and approved by the Human Resources Director.