Alternative Learning School Counselor

Alternative Learning Programs Counselor

Contract Period: Academic-year position, 195 days, salaried, exempt, adjusted schedule to include up to 2 afternoons per week

Supervisor: Director of Alternative Learning and Associate Dean of Academics-Director of School Counseling

Qualifications: M.Ed in School Counseling or related field, and NH DOE Certification in School Counseling or eligible

Profile of the Alternative Learning Programs Counselor

The Pinkerton Academy Alternative Learning Programs Counselor's most important role is to meet the developmental needs of students by providing services that enable students to incorporate the skills, knowledge, values, and behaviors necessary to lead socially responsible, productive, and fulfilling lives. The Alternative Learning Programs Counselor collaborates closely with the Director of Alternative Learning, the Director of School Counseling, and the school counseling staff to provide comprehensive guidance and support of Pinkerton's alternative programming. This includes offering assistance to staff members in determining suitable referrals to the programs. Fostering effective communication and collaboration ensures a coordinated approach to addressing the unique needs of our students and facilitates their successful participation in our alternative education programs.


The Alternative Learning Programs Counselor is a key member of the Alternative Learning and School Counseling Departments. The Alternative Learning Programs Counselor will offer guidance and support to students in areas of academics, college and career advising, and social-emotional development in alignment with the ASCA National Model. The Alternative Learning Programs Counselor must display a collaborative attitude. The growth and progress of a department and the Pinkerton community depend on the involvement and engagement of the faculty members in supporting the department and school goals. Counselors' contributions in the creation of a positive atmosphere in the school community reinforce learning as a lifelong activity. The modeling of Pinkerton's goals of courtesy, respect, and responsibility can be demonstrated through a counselor's relationships with students, staff, and parents.


Pinkerton Academy asks all faculty members to exhibit the highest degree of professionalism in all situations, whether they are actively engaging with students, performing professional duties, or representing the Academy in another capacity. It is imperative that the Alternative Learning Programs Counselor maintains their licensure, meets their commitments as outlined by the Employee Handbook and individual contracts, and upholds all school policies. If the Alternative Learning Programs Counselor finds themself in disagreement with any school policy, they can voice that disagreement within the processes outlined in the Employee Handbook. Pinkerton Academy faculty are dedicated to showing respect for others, including their opinions and their roles on campus. All faculty need to demonstrate respect for others, integrity, sound judgment, and an ongoing commitment to their professional duties and growth, their students, and the Pinkerton community.


Essential Roles of the Alternative Learning Programs Counselor
Counseling Service

• Works collaboratively with Alternative Learning Programs faculty and staff as well as school counseling personnel.
• Manages a caseload of students within multiple Alternative Learning programs.
• Provides individual counseling, scheduling support, graduation tracking, and transition planning to students on caseload, which includes some evening work each week.
• Understands how to use ASPEN, Naviance, and other school-based platforms to ensure student growth and progress throughout the secondary and post-secondary careers.
• Attends intake meetings, Special Education, 504, and parent meetings as needed.
• Acts as liaison between administration, staff, and counselors regarding Alternative Learning Programs.
• Follows correct procedures for safety and DCYF referrals
• Assists in the planning and attends all Alternative Learning Programming presentations, daytime and evening, such as January graduation, ADP graduation, HiSet Graduation, etc.
• Attends weekly meetings with the Director of Alternative Learning
• Coordinates communication between the school and parents on timely activities.
• Oversees activities that help facilitate student transitions from one educational experience to another.

Department

• Exhibits enthusiasm, cooperation, and professionalism with respect to department responsibilities.
• Engages and participates in department meetings, PLCs, and professional learning communities.
• Displays professional growth in relation to individual, department, and school initiatives.
• Collaborates and shares expertise or areas of professional growth with colleagues and the department.
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with fellow school leaders, department members, and stakeholders.
• Assists in the development and implementation of written standard operating procedures related to the ADP and School Counseling.
• Participates in
  • Department meetings
  • Professional learning that keeps counselors' ADPs current with trends and best practices
  • Department responsibilities
• Displays
  • Professionalism
  • Empathy
  • Highest ethical standards
  • Punctuality
  • Reliability
  • Understanding of diversity (socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity)

School and Community

• Displays respect for all members of the school community.
• Creates collaborative relations beyond Pinkerton Academy (i.e Upper Room, employers, etc.).
• Attends school functions that are facilitated and supported by school counselors (i.e. College Fair, NHHEAF events, Reverse Job Fair, etc.).
• Promotes progress of the school community by engaging in committees and professional organizations that enact change.
• Engages in the other school functions as a representative of the department and school (i.e. course night, graduation, freshman field day, open house).
• Supports student involvement and engagement outside of the classroom.