Middle School Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Sacred Hearts Academy is a Catholic college preparatory school dedicated to providing girls and young women with an exceptional education that inspires leadership, service, and lifelong learning. Under the direction of the Middle School Program Manager, the Middle School Counselor serves students in grades 6–8 by fostering their academic, social, emotional, and personal growth. Responsibilities include providing individual student support and guidance, assisting with academic planning and goal setting, facilitating classroom guidance lessons, and offering educational workshops for parents and families. The counselor works collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and behavioral health professionals to promote student well-being, address individual needs, and support student success throughout the middle school years.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in School Counseling, Education, Psychology or related field (degrees and course credits must be earned from a nationally or internationally accredited college or university)
• One year of school Counseling experience at the elementary, middle or high school level – OR-an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for this requirement.
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work outside normal business hours, if necessary.
• Must be able to understand, read/ write in English to follow basic instructions, and take, direction from supervisors and clients.
• Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with Virtus/Safe Environment policy.
• Able to work all required shifts and possible extended hours.
• Ability to implement faith-based curriculum consistent with the Academy’s Catholic mission.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in School Counseling, Education, Psychology or related field (degrees and course credits must be earned from a nationally or internationally accredited college or university)
• Three years of school counseling experience at the elementary, middle, high school, college, or postsecondary advising.
• Demonstrated expertise in student development, counseling methodologies, and best practices in academic, social-emotional, and behavioral guidance.
• Familiarity with platforms such as MaiaLearning.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Working familiarity with student assessment tools, especially in evaluating and interpreting standardized test results.
• Comprehensive understanding of counseling principles and techniques, enabling the development and implementation of tailored guidance curriculum for students at various developmental stages.
• Ability to work with and encourage students in the assigned grade levels toward accomplishing their personalized educational goals.

• Ability to differentiate and personalize instruction to meet varying student needs.
• Manage small and large groups of students in various instructional environments.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, counselors, and school administrators.
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds, in multi-aged environments.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; strong organization skills; handling multiple tasks and projects, and good judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to protect and maintain confidential information.
• Successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that utilizes excellent time and stress management skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES:

1. Counseling (70%)

• Advises and counsels students regarding academic, educational, and short-term social and emotional problems.
• Remains universally accessible and makes great effort to know every student for whom they are responsible.
• Provides individual student planning and responsive services to support students and their families regarding academic matters.
• Teaches guidance classes and provides guidance counseling to students through planned activities in small group or classroom settings to convey educational, social/emotional, and important school information, and offers workshops/seminars for parents.
• Consults, facilitates, and maintains communication with parents, teachers, administrators, and pertinent agents on specific student and parent academic and educational matters including academic modifications and/or accommodations.
• Provides feedback and recommends appropriate actions and solutions to individual student’s academic and educational needs and abilities.
• Participates in parent-teacher conferences, identifies students who may need targeted or intensive services, and coordinates with appropriate agencies.
• Communicates, coordinates, and collaborates with behavioral health specialists on developing and implementing student supports.
• Assists in organizing and implementing standardized testing in school.
• Reviews standardized test outcomes with students and appropriate stakeholders.
• Guide students through the college exploration and selection process.
• Assist students with all aspects of the college application process, including but not limited to creating college lists, completing applications (e.g., Common App, UC, Coalition, etc.), drafting and revising application essays, and preparing resumes or activity lists.
• Assist in coordinating Letters of Recommendation and Transcripts.
• Organize and lead college information sessions, application workshops, essay-writing clinics, and panels.
• Providing educational opportunities for students and families to learn more about financial aid options, including FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarships.

2. School Activities (20%)

• Responsible to attend all masses and educational meetings; where applicable counselor will attend faculty in-service training sessions, retreats, assemblies, and school functions to include: Academy ceremonies such as graduation, Baccalaureate Mass, Commencement, Spring Open House, Fall Open House, Faculty Beginning of the School Year In-Service, Faculty Retreat, Mass of the Holy Spirit, Annual Conference for Catholic Educators, Faith Formation, admissions testing, parent events and supervision of Academy-sponsored student events such as dances, Freshman Mother/Daughter Banquet, Sophomore Father/Daughter; Junior Prom, Senior Prom, Senior Ohana Luncheon, Academy Uncorked, and performances.

3. Performs other related duties as assigned (10%)

• Serves as community relations liaison for the company.
• Actively participates as an effective member of the team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments or reassignments.

Special Consideration for Graduate Students:

While preference will be given to fully qualified candidates, Sacred Hearts Academy welcomes applications from students in the final year of an accredited Master's program in School Counseling, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field. For the right candidate, this position may be structured as a paid internship while completing degree requirements.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.