About Job

Job description

High School Guidance Counselor

About Lotus School for Excellence:

Lotus School for Excellence is a K-12, college-prep public charter school with a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) focus.

All employees at Lotus School for Excellence (LSE) work together to create academic, social, and ethical leaders. The thoughts reflected in this description provide structure to the responsibilities and accountability for this position. However, LSE expects to employ professionals who will work beyond job descriptions, creating both a fulfilling career environment and successful outcomes for our students.

Position Summary:

Counselor is responsible for counseling and supporting students in the 9-12 environment. Coordinates with Admin to provide students with the counseling and support they require to successfully complete their education.

Professional:

Participates in LSE’s comprehensive school counseling functions, as defined by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), providing developmental, preventive, remedial, and responsive services
Contributes to and/or manages the School Counseling Program using the ASCA National Model
Aligns with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the changing world of the 21st century
Possesses knowledge, skills, and commitments needed to provide excellent and equitable learning opportunities and growth for all students
Engages in collaboration, continuous reflection, on-going learning and leadership within the profession
Establishes a rapport with families, students and colleagues
Provides proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve school success
Upholds laws, policies, procedures and ethical standards as outlined by ASCA such as maintaining the confidentiality of all students
Responsible for using effective counseling techniques

Direct Student Services:

Strives to support the whole child’s growth and development, close achievement gaps and to prepare diverse student populations for postsecondary college and career readiness
Meets individually with students to align course schedule to graduation requirements and postsecondary goals
Promotes and enhances the learning process for all students through an integration of academic, social/emotional, and postsecondary development
Delivers and evaluates data driven counseling services relevant to student outcomes and achievement through classroom lessons, small groups, and individual counseling
Utilizes root cause analyses to employ and adjust evidence-based strategies and approaches for students who are not achieving mastery of standards and students who need acceleration
Develops students skills, interests and abilities necessary to be lifelong learners, as well as for democratic and civic participation
Communicates high expectations to students and their families and utilize diverse strategies to engage them in a mutually supportive teaching and learning environment
Supports academic achievement, career exploration, and social/emotional developmental needs of all students through individual counseling, small groups, and classroom lessons.
Assists with transitions from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school
Counsels students to encourage and support student achievement in all ASCA domains (social/emotional, academic, and career-readiness)
Counsels students regarding educational issues such as course and program selection, school adjustment, study habits, attendance and college and career readiness planning
Provides crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at school
Works with families to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and resource needs
Provides group counseling as appropriate with students with identified needs or concerns
Promotes accountability for students

Indirect Student Services:

Monitors student transcripts to ensure accuracy and progress towards graduation requirements and postsecondary goals
Creates / Edits / Updates student schedules in Infinite Campus to align to LSE and student needs
Observes and evaluates students' performance, behavior, social/emotional development, and physical health in collaboration with other professionals and stakeholders
Assists families to identify and access community-based services as needed and requested
Contributes to and/or manage the School Counseling Program using the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model by collaborating with building administration
Utilizes the ASCA National Model to evaluate and interpret data for school counseling program modification to determine programming which support student needs
Uses data to design counseling services which support student achievement, analyze data results and use results to inform stakeholders and continuously improve programs
Creates and updates accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations
Confers with families, teachers, other counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral, academic, and other problems
Advises teachers and other school personnel on methods to enhance school and classroom atmosphere to provide motivating educational environment
Collaborates with teachers, staff, and families regarding meeting the needs of students.
Advocates for equitable educational access and opportunity, and collaborate efforts enhancing students’ educational experiences
Participates in ongoing professional development and engage in leadership opportunities
Maintains active contact with community social services and refers students and/or their parents/guardians to appropriate agencies as needed
Coordinates with Admin in data collection and analysis to improve school climate and enhance student success
Supports student achievement by acting as a liaison for parents/guardians, teachers, and other personnel.
Coordinates educational and career planning with students, parents/guardians
Coordinates with Admin assisting with student issues
Assesses student performance frequently and objectively
Facilitates resolution of problems that might arise with students and parents

Other Expectations:

Assists in planning and coordinating state and internal testing and assessments
Knowledge of and adherence to approved communication pathways
Follow policies established by the LSE Board of Directors, Aurora Public Schools, and Colorado State mandated school guidelines, except where LSE has received waivers
Participate in and contributes to programs and activities that enhance LSE outside of instructional hours
Complete other duties as assigned

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Minimum Requirements:

Master's Degree
Expert-level written and oral English communication skills
Successful experience working with culturally & linguistically diverse student body
Ability to work collaboratively
Knowledge of understanding of adolescent physical, emotional, and intellectual development
Strong self-starter; able to work with limited direction
Ability to apply superb judgment
CPR certification (LSE will provide necessary resources to become certified)

Preferred:

Experience with 504s
Experience with READ plans
Experience with charter schools
Licensed by CDE

Education and Licensure:

Master’s or higher degree in School Counseling
Holds a Colorado Special Services Provider license or is currently eligible for one with the appropriate endorsement for this position

Reports to: Secondary Principal

Job Type: Full-time (191 day calendar)

Compensation and Benefits:

$58,000 - $83,000 / year (BOE)
Participation in CO PERA program, including a PERA 401k contribution option
Funding of 100% of individual medical benefits and a wide range of insurance plans
Approximately 9 weeks of summer vacation, 4 weeks of school holidays/vacations, and 8 days of PTO annually

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $53,000.00 - $83,000.00 per year

Benefits: