Guidance Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Jazz Hands For Autism is a young nonprofit organization. Founded in May 2014, we are a talent advocacy group with a mission to provide avenues for musicians on the autism spectrum to turn their passion for music into a line of income..

We are seeking dedicated and skilled guidance counselor for the Jazz Hands Musicians Academy (JHMA) ,  a music-based vocational program that uses a strength-based approach to empower musicians with autism and amplify their voices by providing necessary resources and avenues that will assist them with forging a rewarding and career path as a working musician. JHMA provides individualized music lessons, performance training and wrap-around artist development services and performance scouting for individuals with autism who are looking to improve their musicianship and begin a career as a musician.

Position: Jazz Hands Musicians Academy

Full Time/ Part Time: Part-time position requiring up to 30 hours per week (depending on number of students in caseload)

Pay: $20/hr

Job Overview: 

The Part-Time Guidance Counselor at Jazz Hands Musicians Conservatory will meet weekly with students to assess their class and program progress, ensure they remain on track to matriculate through the program, and provide support in completing necessary forms. The counselor will play a pivotal role in helping students stay accountable and achieve their educational and personal development goals.

Job Responsibilities & Duties:

• Student Meetings: 
  • Conduct weekly one-on-one meetings with students with autism to discuss their progress in classes and the program and provide personalized guidance and assistance throughout the class registration process, understanding and addressing their unique needs. Offer support and reassurance to help them navigate through course options and make informed decisions
  • Identify any academic, social, or personal challenges (relating to their learning) students may and develop strategies have to address them.
• Progress Tracking:
  • Monitor student progress through the programs and classes of Enrichment 2 and the Conservatory.
  • Maintain detailed records of each student’s progress, challenges, and achievements in the student progress document.
  • Provide regular updates to the Program Director and instructional faculty regarding student progress.
  • Interpret assessments to help students understand their strengths, interests, and areas for improvement (including diagnostic assessment and some Moodle assessment, as applicable).
  • Use assessment results to inform individualized support plans (student progress document).
• Support and Accountability:
  • Work closely with students, parents and/or support staff, program director and instructors to ensure students with autism receive individualized guidance regarding their course selection and registration. Develop personalized academic plans, considering their unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles.
  • Assist students in completing necessary forms and paperwork for program requirements (ex. application for Jazz Hands Jobs, helping students schedule their jury, etc).
  • Provide pre-career guidance and support, including exploring potential career paths in music and related fields and helping students apply to the appropriate study tracks at the Jazz Hands Musicians Academy Conservatory program
  • Help students set realistic goals and create action plans to achieve them.
  • Hold students accountable for meeting their goals and completing their coursework.
  • Help interested students prepare necessary skills needed to be eligible for the Jazz Hands Jobs Program
• Communication and Coordination:
  • Collaborate with instructional faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to student development.
  • Communicate with parents/guardians and/ or student at home support staff as necessary to discuss student progress and address any concerns.
  • Organize and facilitate workshops or group sessions on relevant topics (e.g., time management, study skills, personal development), as applicable.
• Program Development:
  • Provide feedback to the Program Director and instructional faculty on potential improvements to the curriculum and student support services using the SIPFAST Form.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in guidance counseling and neurodiversity support.
• Crisis Intervention:
  • Provide immediate support and intervention (or refer students to appropriate entities) in situations where students are experiencing emotional or psychological crises.
  • Coordinate with students’ mental health professionals and other relevant parties if necessary and applicable for students’ learning progress and growth.
• Training
  • Collaborate with executive team to ensure that you receive the appropriate training
• Reporting:
  • Prepare and submit monthly reports to the Program Director on student progress, challenges, and any other relevant issues.
  • Develop and present end-of-quarter summaries for each student, highlighting their progress, achievements, areas of improvement, and recommended next steps.
  • Ensure all documentation is up-to-date and stored securely in the appropriate student folders.

Qualifications & Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Valid counseling certification or license as applicable
• Experience working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, and staff.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of educational and vocational pathways for musicians is a plus.

Preferred Skills: 

• Familiarity with music education and the unique needs of student musicians.
• Experience in creating and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs).
• Training in neurodiversity and inclusive education practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics for this position are typical of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SCHEDULE & TRAVEL

• This position requires a flexible schedule with occasional evenings or weekends required for special events or meetings.
• This position may be required to travel locally on occasion. 

WE VALUE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION!

Jazz Hands for Autism believes in creating long-term relationships by being responsive and relevant and by consistently delivering value to our employees, our students, and our community. Specifically with our employees, we focus on attracting, developing and retaining the best talent, challenging our people, demonstrating a “can-do” attitude and fostering a collaborative and mutually supportive environment.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected age classification, ancestry, color, religious creed, marital status, military and veteran status, national origin, race, sex, gender, gender identity, and gender expression. Jazz Hands For Autism will make every reasonable effort to accommodate individuals based on their disability status.   

Qualified and interested applicants should email the following to View email address on ziprecruiter.com:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

**Please put job title in subject line**

Only submissions providing all of the requested information will be considered.

Jazz Hands For Autism is based in Culver City and is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes a diverse candidate pool.

If this opportunity sounds like a perfect fit for you and your skills, We hope to hear from you!