JOB DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL COUNSELOR

I Dream PCS Mission

I Dream PCS co-designs purposeful, self-directed learning with children and families, so they have voice and choice on the path to discovering and pursuing their dreams.

_ Position Overview_

The School Counselor will provide school-based, trauma-sensitive counseling services, including crisis counseling and planning, and family services at I Dream PCS. The School Counselor will provide professional development for all school staff on related social services and social-emotional topics, and collaborate with school leaders, Classroom and Special Education Coaches, and Dedicated Aides to plan and implement behavioral support and services for learners of promise. The School Counselor will build and manage multiple relationships with community-based organizations, school staff, and families as an advocate for the academic and social-emotional success of every learner.

The School Counselor is an 11-month position, August 1 - June 30. Salary is paid over 12 months.

** Essential Mindsets**

You are all about the I Dream PCS Mission.

****When you read the I Dream PCS mission, your eyes light up and you smile on the inside. Our website speaks to you and you know you want to be a part of making this school a reality for children. You can see it. Our mission aligns with your beliefs and passion.

You have a growth mindset about yourself and your work.

You are a lifelong learner that is in constant evolution. You know you are good at what you do, but you also know that you always have room to learn. You learn from your mistakes and failures as much as you learn from books and from others. Growing yourself and your expertise comes natural to you. You approach the growth and development of learners and school programs by leveraging strengths and assets rather than focusing on deficits.

You are ready to disrupt systemic inequities in service of our children.

You understand that the current public education system perpetuates systemic racism and that the achievement gap exists by design. You are committed to social justice and ready to transform the current public school model to one that values the gifts and talents every child and every family brings to the world. You are also committed to doing your own work to identify and mitigate your biases and prejudices in service of this work. _

Responsibilities_

• Provides classroom-based and/or small group prevention (social-emotional skills, anti-bullying, personal safety, stress reduction, grief and loss support, drug/alcohol education) based on data collected from daily observations of individual and whole class needs.

• Provides Behavioral Supportive Services (BIPs) to learners with IEP/504 Plans and maintain accurate and timely records.

• Provides behavior support services to learners with behavior plans developed through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process.

• Participates as a resource person for I Dream PCS staff training and planning; sharing relevant professional resources, leading professional development, consulting with individual teachers to support the effective use of the school's Social-Emotional (SEL) curriculum.

• Identifies school-wide or classroom trends in social-emotional health needs and provides recommendations regarding student policies and systems that relate to the social-emotional health of students.

• Addresses students' social-emotional needs through individual and group counseling sessions and supports learners with the development of study habits, time management, and organizational skills.

• Participates in learner focused multidisciplinary team meetings such as Learner Update Meetings, Learner Support Meetings, Multi- Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) meetings, and provides input for IEPs.

• Maintains appropriate and accurate school records and provides written reports and communication as needed, including on time progress report updates and goals.

• Provides crisis intervention and emergency learner and family support when needed.

• Develops and implements programs to assist 5th grade learners transition to middle school. This includes orientation sessions, middle school visits, informational meetings, and support with the application process for learners and families.

• Collaborates with families by sharing relevant resources, participating in family workshops, building a strong home-school connection, communicating regularly with the Family Engagement Coordinator and making referrals to community agencies.

• Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations related to student confidentiality and reporting requirements.

• Operates with integrity and in accordance with NASW Code of Ethics and IDEA regulations.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Teachers at I Dream PCS are called "coaches". A coach facilitates the learning process, instead of directing and doing the thinking for learners. The role of coaches at I Dream PCS is a critical example of our commitment to transform relationships between learners and themselves, the curriculum, and the community.

Qualifications

• Completion of a master's degree from an approved program in school counseling education.
• Successful completion of at least 300-hours of supervised school-based field, practicum, or internship experience as part of the degree program.
• Achieved a passing score on the School Counselor Praxis exam.
• Experience in working with Preschool to 5th grade student population in urban school settings.
• An ability to serve students and families with a framework of equity and dignity for students of all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Unapologetic belief in the ability of all students to succeed in their path to college and career, with the right support in place.
• Evidence of in-depth knowledge of special education programs, with experience working with students with exceptional needs.
• Inner ability, stamina and self-care strategies necessary to work with an undervalued population.
• An understanding of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process.
• Leadership skills in working with individuals and groups (i.e. initiating individual or group discussion, listening, clarifying and facilitating interactions and sharing of ideas).

Persons of cultural consciousness and competence are strongly encouraged to apply. All candidates must be committed to meeting the needs of all learners and have experience working in urban communities.

** Compensation and Benefits**

Salary: $70-$87K, based on years of experience. I Dream PCS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package to promote self-care and overall wellness.

Why Join I Dream PCS?

You will work to actively dismantle hierarchical systems of power that prevent young learners from realizing their full potential in the world. You will collaborate with other lifelong learners and social justice warriors to reimagine school design in a way that includes all voices in the decision-making process. You understand the task in front of us will require a monumental amount of work, but you see the vision and know this is difficult work we must do for our children.

To Apply

→ Apply directly through our website: Openings at I Dream Public Charter School (breezy.hr)