School Counselor - Middle School

Introducing The Cottage School

Founded in 1985, The Cottage School (TCS) serves approximately 275 students with a wide variety of learning differences in grades K-12. Included in TCS mission, we prepare individuals for the fulfillment of their true potential as confident, productive, and independent adults. It is not just a school; it is a community; it is a soft landing spot and launching pad for our student's futures; it is a family. TCS campus is located on 23 beautifully wooded acres in Roswell, Georgia, and it includes multiple classroom cottages, a media center, and a gymnasium/ multi-purpose center.

TCS believes that by providing a structured, low student/teacher ratio environment of 10:1, we can improve the academic successes of our students while addressing their areas of weaknesses. We offer a combination of academic and experiential programs designed for various learning styles and skills. Self-discipline, time management, and responsible choices are stressed through a work-based model while incorporating life, career, and social skills into our program. Every student has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) to establish academic and personal goals, monitor progress, and ultimately graduate with a post-secondary plan for their future.

The Counselor will join the middle school administration team, along with collaborating with our whole school counseling department (one Head Counselor, two Middle School Counselors, two High School Counselors, one Post-Secondary Counselor, and one Elementary School Counselor). This position will include responsibilities within the areas of individual counseling, classroom guidance, group counseling, system support, and transition activities (5th graders to middle school and 8th graders to high school). Start date for this position is October, 2024.

Responsibilities include:

Individual/Classroom/Group Counseling:

• Confers with individual students referred by faculty, parents, or self-referred
• Contributes to crisis counseling as needed
• Conducts small counseling groups to work with students with specific needs
• Works in conjunction with the middle principal and TCS Counseling Department to coordinate assemblies/special speakers, in-person/virtual parent meetings, and transition events (elementary to middle and middle to high)
• Works closely with the school principal, assistant principal, and teachers in all matters of personal counseling, social skills
• Strong written and verbal skills, with attention to documenting important decisions/interactions in PCR (student information system)
• Establishes references and referrals for outside consultants; has a readily accessible support network of professionals
• Interprets psychological assessments for students in grades 6-8 and assists students with their social, emotional, and academic challenges

Support to faculty, students, parents:

• Consults with teachers regarding individual concerns
• Meets with parents to address student and/or family concerns that affect academic/social/emotional well-being of students, while respecting the confidentiality of the student
• Correspondences with students/parents/faculty are conducted in a timely, proactive manner while demonstrating compassion and knowledge of the subject matter
• Ensures the safe distribution of prescribed medicine at scheduled times to specified students and tracks information according to school’s current policy
• Assist the middle administration team in conducting IEP meetings for the students and uploading the completed documents to PCR (student information system)
• Coordinates with Admissions and the Registrar for proper academic placement regarding new students
• Provides resources on various learning differences and additional guidance topics
• Coordinator for PSAT 8 testing for middle school students enrolled in Algebra or Geometry· Coordinator for PSAT/SAT testing (other high school counselor is the coordinator for Pre-ACT/ACT testing)
• Works closely with the elementary and high school counselors to provide continuity in the transition between ES/MS and MS/HS
• Develops appropriate guidance curricula, procedures, crisis management plans
• Attends counseling meetings and other counseling events and conferences (GISA and GSCA)

Qualification Requirements:

A Master’s degree in School Counseling (preferred) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is required. Work experience in a school setting is an asset.

A positive attitude and clear enthusiasm for working with children and parents, while modeling ethical and professional behavior. Utilizes best practices in counseling, while implementing the professional and legal responsibilities required as a school counselor.

Must be able to pass an initial background clearance check and maintain a valid background clearance check.

Benefits:

Our Board of Directors has worked diligently to provide a benefits package, with provisions for the employee to choose the specific benefits that meet his/her individual needs.

· 401-K Plan with 100% Match (up to 3% of Salary, after 3% it will match ½ for the next 2%)

· $25,000 Life Insurance provided

· Medical Insurance provided for the employee (HSA)

· Family Medical Insurance, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life Insurance, short or long-term disability, Medical and Dependent/Day Care Flexible Spending Accounts

· 9 PTO Days (Paid Time Off) provided each year

How to Apply:

Please submit a letter of introduction and resume to: Libby Swinson, Head Counselor of The Cottage School LibbyS@cottageschool.org

The Cottage School/Education Resource Center is a 501 (c) 3 organization which does not discriminate on the basis of sex, color, race, national or ethnic origin in any administration of its educational policy or philosophy.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Master's (Required)

License/Certification:

• School Counseling Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $65,000