SY26-27 Anticipated School Counselor

Requirements Master's degree in school counseling and current ISBE Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counseling Endorsement. Reports to Principal Evaluated by Principal Primary Function As vital members of the school’s educational leadership team, professional school counselors provide comprehensive developmental supports within the academic, personal/social, and career domains to ensure that today's students become the productive, well‑adjusted adults of tomorrow. School counselors are uniquely trained professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. They provide proactive leadership to engage all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help all students achieve success in school. Major Job Responsibilities Create, Implement, and Evaluate a Comprehensive School Counseling Program aligned with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) REACH Framework for School Counselors. The framework aligns to the American School Counselor Association National Model for School Counseling Programs and outlines a comprehensive counseling program that delivers services equitably to all students in the building. Conduct Annual Needs Assessments and Data Reviews to Determine and Prioritize Student Needs. The school counselor will conduct an annual needs assessment and data review to identify critical areas of student need, then create targeted program goals aligned to the school‑wide goals, mission, and vision, ensuring that counseling services address critical areas of demonstrated need, resulting in improved academic achievement. Implement the School Counseling Core Curriculum. In order to reach all students, the counselor will design, conduct, and co‑teach learning activities in classroom, large group, and/or school‑wide settings based on the academic, career, postsecondary, and social/emotional needs of students to facilitate the infusion of counseling as an integral component of the total education curriculum. Activities may include classroom guidance, high school/college/career fairs, high school/college/career tours, grade‑level or school‑wide team‑building activities. Provide Individual Student Planning Activities. In collaboration with students, staff, and families, the counselor will create an academic plan to successfully obtain a diploma and postsecondary options of choice. This may include facilitating the completion of the Individual Learning Plan in Naviance; transition activities such as orientations and the high‑school application process; events to inform families of test results and implications for educational planning; advisement to ensure students are on track to the next grade level or phase in life. In collaboration with students, staff, and families, the counselor will provide responsive services to address students’ barriers to academic achievement, through small‑group facilitation, structured short‑term goal‑oriented individual counseling sessions; participation in building‑level student assistance teams; facilitation of conferences with students, teachers, and families; consultation with teachers, families, and external partners; school‑wide support during crisis or emergency situations; participation in IEP/504 Plan teams. Provide Indirect Student Support. The counselor will provide indirect services on behalf of students, such as referral of students/families to district and community resources; sharing strategies to support student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators, and community organizations; acting as a student advocate to promote student development within the three domains; serving as the school’s resident expert on student development; collaborating with experts and stakeholders; serving on committees and advisory boards; creating formalized partnerships with community‑based organizations. Provide System Support. As professionals, leaders, and advocates, the counselor will coordinate, conduct and participate in activities to contribute to the effective operation of the school consistent with the approved counseling program. Activities may include: creating an annual evidence‑based implementation plan; developing an annual agreement to support overall school goals; conducting needs assessments to determine primary needs; collecting and aggregating multiple data sources to determine need and monitor counseling interventions; protecting planning time for intervention development; coordinating professional development programs for faculty and staff. Participate in Regular Professional Development. The counselor will actively participate in district, state, and national professional development; participate in professional associations; read professional journals; attend workshops and conferences; engage in continuing education coursework. Benefits Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice Medical Plan Options Pharmacy Vision Behavioral Health & EAP Employee Wellness Program Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow Basic Life Insurance Life and Disability Insurance Pension Plans Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Spot Pet Insurance Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life Competitive paid time off policies #J-18808-Ljbffr Chicago Public Schools