What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Counselor - Upper School (6th-12th) position at The Community Church & Virginia Academy?
Job Title: School Counselor - Upper School (6th-12th)
Located in Loudoun County, Community Church exists to love people the same way God loves us. We desire to see people experience God, meet friends, make a difference, and become a leader. Virginia Academy serves the mission of Community Church by preparing students for their best life, through faith (a confidence in God), scholarship (a passion for knowledge), and purpose (a desire to make a positive impact). We see our graduates making a positive impact in every arena of life.
School Counseling is at the forefront of inspiring a Christian mindset and heart in our students to become passionate Christians, learners, and citizens. This position oversees our student services which includes, Academic and Behavior Counseling, Testing, and College Placement. The School Counselor collaborates with the Principals, Assistant Principals, Academic Support Coordinator, and faculty and staff to ensure our students’ needs are being met.
This position reports directly to the Upper School Principal.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Key Responsibilities
Professional Growth and Learning
- Attend Staff Chapel.
- Attend orientation and all faculty meetings.
- Set and meet yearly goals demonstrating personal and professional growth; achieving the required total of yearly continuing education credits.
- Undergo yearly professional evaluations, setting goals, and receiving feedback/correction as needed.
- Engage in a professional learning community.
Organizational Management
- Provide individual student planning for all Upper School students; meetings to help students assess their options realistically and to focus on institutions best suited for their individual needs.
- Maintain accurate records of all counseling meetings.
- Write recommendations as needed and advocate appropriately for high school students throughout the college placement process.
- Adhere to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession.
- Provide individual/group counseling on an as needed basis.
Planning and Progress
- Meet with the school leadership team to problem solve, receive and give feedback, and further advance the school’s mission; keeping the Upper School Principal informed on all pertinent issues ensuring that he/she is never surprised.
- Identify areas of improvement and initiate strategies for the continued growth and success of the Upper School for acquisition of accreditations.
- Advise on incoming Upper School students’ files to determine academic needs and course selection as needed by the Upper School Principal and/or Admissions director.
- Help administer AP, PSAT, and SAT exams as needed.
- Work with the Upper School Leadership Team to create a master schedule and create schedules for students that will set them up for success.
Culture
- Understand and uphold, with complete clarity, Community Church’s mission, vision, and values
- Inspire a Christian mindset, heart, and culture that will permeate our student services team/staff. and impact our students according to our mission and values.
- Set an example for the staff professionally and spiritually.
- Listen to feedback from a variety of sources for school effectiveness.
Professional Qualities and Leadership
- Oversee a comprehensive, upper school student services program with high spiritual and academic standards to include counseling and college preparation.
- Participating in local and national associations relevant to the profession.
- Help to maintain a quality educational environment by providing a daily administrative presence.
- Assist and support teachers and administration in behavior management.
- Enforce policies and procedures stated in the Parent/Student Handbook.
- Monitor in-school communication channels and respond as needed.
- Act as the leader of student services and oversee the day-to-day operation of its programming for upper school.
Stakeholder Support and Engagement
- Collaborate with the School and Upper School Leadership Teams regularly for feedback, problem solving, and strategic development as it relates to the student services department.
- Collaborate with parents/guardians and educators to assist HS students with educational, personal, and future life planning.
Statutory Factors
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Assist in the admissions process by responding to inquiries, giving tours, conducting student interviews etc.
- Collaborate with the student services department to establish the master schedule.
Core Values
Time with God.
Motto: We run on the Holy Spirit.
Empowering.
Motto: We build up!
Accountable.
Motto: Everyone’s coached.
Mission 1st.
Motto: We are missional and not positional.
Over-the-top.
Motto: We go above & beyond expectations.
Relational.
Motto: We are a family.
Authentic.
Motto: We share our struggles.
No matter what!
Motto: We take risks!
Grateful.
Motto: We get to do this!
Electrifying.
Motto: We create the atmosphere.
Education:
Required
- Masters in Counseling or pursuit of Masters in Counseling
- Counseling Certification or pursuit of counseling certification
Desired
- 2 years experience in area
- CPR/First Aid and/or MAT Certified
Experience:
Required
- A passion for Christian education
- Demonstrated ability to work well with children/youth
- Well-rounded knowledge of the education process and subject matter
- Active Church member of Community Church
Desired
- Experience as a school counselor
- Experience in a church-run school
- Proficiency in G-suite (Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Classroom, etc.)
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position and should not be considered a contract of employment. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.
