Licensed School Counselor (2025-2026)

Journey Community Schools (JCS) is a Tennessee non-profit corporation serving scholars in grades kindergarten through 8th grade at our Coleman School, East Academy, and Northeast Academy campuses. Our Mission is to engage families and community partners in our scholars' learning journey; cultivate a safe, positive and joyous learning environment; and empower teachers and leaders with support to deliver an inclusive, innovative and rigorous education. Visit Journey Community Schools for more information (https://myjourneycs.org).

The Opportunity:

Behind every successful student is a team of passionate and dedicated educators. Together, we will change the odds for underserved students, ensuring that every student is prepared to excel in all areas of life. As a School Counselor at Journey Community Schools (JCS), you will provide a full range of school counseling services to children grades K-8, including but not limited to screening and assessment, individual and group counseling, school-wide intervention and prevention, and collaborate with outside agencies as appropriate. The School Counselor will also be an integral member of the RTI team and Student Support Team helping to plan, implement, and monitor interventions for students at the school. 

 What You Will Do:

• Conducts classroom guidance dealing with topics such as abuse, goal-setting, organizational and study skills, anger, conflict resolution, and self-motivation

• Provides counseling to students having problems in the areas of  attendance, retention, and discipline

• Provide crisis counseling and referrals for students as needed

• Create and maintain relationships with outside agencies to help foster better learning and support for the students of JCS and their families

• Works with other school personnel and community resources to provide educational enrichment within the school

• Facilitate Student Support Team meetings to support the academic, social and emotional needs of students

• Serve as an integral member of the RTI team, helping to plan, implement, and monitor RTI programs at the  school site 

• Attend staff meetings, IEP, and inter-departmental meetings for students receiving counseling services

• Serve as the case manager for 504s 

• Interrupt data of attendance, behavior, and other factors to help determine school counseling needs to help students

• Support JCS  initiatives and programs to address student needs (Social Emotional Learning, Restorative Practice, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, etc.)

• Assist middle school students and families in high school selection

• Support JCS  initiatives to address student attendance by leading and facilitating components of the truancy protocol (SART, etc.)

• Exhibit positive rapport with students, families and JCS staff

• Maintains necessary confidential counseling records for report of services

• Consistently and routinely update case files for students on his/her caseload

• Provide professional development to school personnel on topics such as child abuse, social emotional learning, etc.

• Continually improve counseling skills by seeking out constructive feedback and attending professional development opportunities

• Performs other duties as assigned
  

What You Will Bring:

• Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of theories, principles, and concepts of counseling

  • Knowledge of state and American School Counselor Association School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies

  • Skill in implementing a comprehensive guidance and counseling program

  • Skill in counseling individuals and groups

  • Skill in encouraging individuals on a personal, caring basis

  • Skill in data analysis to help determine guidance counseling need

  • Ability to evaluate students

  • Ability to collaborate with staff and community services agencies in the coordination resources for students and families

  • Ability to work with confidential issues and information in a secure manner

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Thorough understanding of developmental expectations for students of different ages

  • Superior interpersonal skills with persons of all ages and across diverse backgrounds

  • Excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, time management and follow-up skills; high sense of urgency; and ability to handle multiple cases concurrently

• Education Requirements:

  • Master’s Degree in School Counseling or related discipline from an accredited college or university

• Licensure Requirements:

  • Valid license and endorsement in School Counselor PreK-12 with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) or a valid license and endorsement in School Counselor from a state that offers reciprocity with Tennessee 

• Experience Requirements:

  • At least two years serving as a school counselor for students grades K-8

Compensation

Journey Community Schools offers its employees a competitive salary and benefits, including paid time off, small payroll contributions for rich benefit plans, life insurance/short-term and long-term disability, participation in a TN state retirement plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and adoption assistance program.

Journey Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. JCS promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.