Login

School Counselor - Middle School

Commonwealth Charter Academy | PA

Posted Date 2/13/2025
Description School Counselor
Middle School

Position Summary

Working from one of our Family Service Centers in Pennsylvania, the School Counselor will virtually assist students and parents/learning coaches with course selection, scheduling and will be the initial point of contact for student concerns that span multiple subject areas as well as non-academic issues. The School Counselor will become an expert on course and credit requirements and will work with the Manager of Counseling Services to establish counseling processes for middle school students.

In order to be successful in any role at CCA, employee must carry out all responsibilities in such a way that demonstrates and models the values of CCA, abides by all standards and behaves in a professional and engaged manner at all times.

Responsibilities:
  • Advise students and families related to academics, career planning and graduation;
  • Keep abreast of all high school graduation requirements, including special requirements such as state testing, course progression and communicate this information to the High School Counselor and to the principal;
  • Assist students (8th grade and advanced/gifted students) and parents with the secondary school course selection process according to specific state credit and graduation requirements and student needs and interests. An integral part of this process is assisting students and parents to develop a Four Year Plan for meeting graduation requirements;
  • Assist students and parents with the middle school course selection process based on student needs and interests;
  • Advise students with issues related to dropping courses and changing schedules, seeking support as needed, while ensuring that the school’s course selection and drop policies are adhered to;
  • When applicable, review student transcripts and the entry of credits into the online transcript system;
  • Follow procedures to ensure that Commonwealth Charter Academy transcripts/grades are accurate and up-to-date;
  • Work with the administrative assistants to obtain school records from the student’s previous school (where applicable);
  • Implement programs for students and families related to social or emotional adjustment issues;
  • Work with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources;
  • Coordinate with a team of middle school teachers to help identify students who are “at risk” or “in crisis”. Act as a point of contact for these students and families, communicating regularly with them;
  • Implement efforts to secure complete and accurate records for Connections Academy students;
  • Support families through the school withdrawal process, assisting with data collection regarding withdrawal;
  • Participate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans for the school and serve as a key member of the Student Support Team (SST);
  • Receive training in Student Assistance Program (SAP) and become active member on SAP team;
  • Participate and give feedback during 504 meetings and IEP meetings for students with 504s and IEPs.
  • Report and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as obligated by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards. Stay abreast of all state regulations relating to incident reporting and documentation;
  • Assist teachers when students enroll mid-semester, making sure that teachers receive guidance on integrating the students into their coursework, and ensuring that previous grades, credits, and evaluations are handled appropriately;
  • Communicate with the Curriculum Team to ensure that curriculum offerings meet state requirements.
  • Implement special programs such as career and college readiness and peer support;
  • Understand the requirements for and assist the principal to facilitate the administration of school testing;
  • Help students to research and understand their post-secondary career and educational options;
  • Support professional development activities for teachers and school staff members;
  • Implement lessons which cover appropriate social, emotional, and educational middle school topics;
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
  • Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products)
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain good rapport with both students and adults
  • Self-motivated
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
  • High degree of flexibility
  • Team player with demonstrated leadership skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)
  • Customer focused approach

Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands
This is largely a sedentary role. Requires the ability to lift, squat, sit, bend or stand as necessary. Ability to travel to other sites/locations as needed.

Position Type
  • Full-time
  • 10-month + Up to 20 Days over Summer (paid $250 Per Diem rate)
  • Exempt
  • Salary

Travel
  • Travel may be required for this position.

Required Education and Experience
  • Master’s Degree in Counseling
  • Pennsylvania Counselor certification
  • 2 years of relevant work experience

Preferred Education and Experience
  • 5 years of relevant work experience
  • SAP Certification (K-12)

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Valid PA Driver’s License
  • Appropriate Automobile Insurance Coverage

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Commonwealth Charter Academy is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization.

Share this job