Counselor/Social Worker

Job Description

Job Description

HIGH POINT ACADEMY

Position: Counselor/Social Worker

Reports to: Dean of Students

Location: Aurora, CO

Work Year: 2026-2027

The School Counselor & Social Worker serves as a vital member of the student support team, providing comprehensive academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and wellness services for students in Preschool through 8th Grade. This position collaborates with students, families, educators, community partners, and special education teams to remove barriers to learning, promote student well-being, and ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.

The School Counselor & Social Worker develops and implements a comprehensive counseling program, provides direct and indirect services to students, supports special education processes, coordinates community resources, and contributes to a positive and inclusive school culture.

Essential Responsibilities

Student Support Services

• Provide individual and group counseling to support students' academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and personal development.
• Deliver preventative and responsive services through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
• Design, implement, and assess counseling lessons and wellness programming.
• Utilize student data, attendance, behavior, and academic indicators to identify and support students in need of intervention.
• Support students during transitions between grade levels and prepare middle school students for high school and post-secondary opportunities.

Special Education and Student Services

• Conduct assessments and evaluations for Special Education and Section 504 eligibility.
• Participate as an active member of IEP and 504 teams.
• Support implementation and progress monitoring of IEPs and 504 Plans.
• Collect and analyze data for Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs).
• Develop and monitor Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in collaboration with school teams.
• Communicate assessment findings and recommendations clearly to families and staff

Family and Community Engagement

• Consult with families regarding student needs and available supports.
• Coordinate referrals to community agencies, mental health providers, and social service organizations.
• Assist families in accessing services that support student success.
• Serve as a liaison between school personnel and outside agencies when appropriate.
• School-Wide Systems and CultureCollaborate with school leaders and staff to develop systems that support academic achievement and student wellness.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and supportive school culture.
• Support school-wide attendance, behavior, and wellness initiatives.
• Participate in crisis prevention, intervention, recovery, and threat assessment processes.
• Provide professional development and consultation to staff regarding student social-emotional and behavioral needs.

Program Management and Accountability

• Maintain accurate records, case documentation, and compliance requirements.
• Analyze program effectiveness and use data to improve services and student outcomes.
• Prepare reports and documentation required by school, district, state, and federal guidelines.
• Support continuous improvement efforts aligned with school goals.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve systems, processes, and procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Build strong relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of work.
• Remain flexible and responsive to emerging student and school needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required
• Master's Degree in School Counseling, or Social Work
• Valid Colorado School Counselor License, School Social Worker License, or ability to obtain appropriate Colorado licensure.
• Colorado Special Service Licence
• Specifics for both Counseling and Social Work detailed below
• Experience providing counseling, social-emotional support, and intervention services to children and adolescents.
• Knowledge of MTSS, Special Education, Section 504, FBAs, and BIPs.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Preferred• Experience working in a PK-8 educational setting.• Experience supporting diverse student populations.• Knowledge of Infinite Campus and other student information systems.• Experience implementing ASCA-aligned counseling practices and/or school social work best practices.
• Salary and Benefits• Full-time, benefits-eligible position.• Salary commensurate with experience and credentials.• Eligible for all High Point Academy employee benefits.

Colorado Special Service License Requirement According to Current Degree and Licensing

Requirements for a Colorado Special Services License: School Social Workers

• Education - Master's degree or higher in Social Work
• Necessary Coursework- Documented evidence of completion of coursework in the areas of school and special education law, including content covering Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and the development of behavior intervention plans (BIP).
• If you are applying from out of state, review this addendum for coursework requirements.

• Exams - Successful completion of Colorado-approved content exam or a valid Colorado DORA-issued LSW or LCSW license. Colorado Assessment for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (ASWB).
• 900 clock-hour practicum in the field of social work that were completed with supervision in a school, social service agency, mental health clinic or facility and/or hospital setting

Requirements for a Colorado Special Services Provider License – School Counselors

To qualify for the initial Special Services Provider license for School Counselor, CDE lists these core requirements:

• Master's degree or higher in school counseling
• Must include at least 48 semester hours.
• Practicum
• Minimum of 100 clock hours.
• Internship
• Minimum of 600 clock hours in a school setting.
• Must include work with multiple grade levels.
• Must be supervised by a licensed school counselor.
• Praxis exam
• Praxis 5422 with a passing score of 159.
• CDE also notes that Praxis 5421 with a score of 156 is accepted if taken between September 1, 2016 and August 31, 2023, and accepted through August 31, 2028.

Alternative pathway

CDE also lists an option for individuals who have either:

• A Colorado DORA-issued LPC or LMFT license, or
• A CACREP-accredited master's degree in clinical mental health counseling

These applicants must also complete a school counselor certificate program and pass Praxis 5422.

Application type

For an in-state applicant, you would apply for the Initial Special Services License through CDE. The CDE checklist identifies the school counselor option as requiring the degree/program verification, practicum/internship verification, and Praxis score report.

This position will offer supervision hours for anyone who needs clinical supervision towards their LCSW.