Professional School Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

OUR MISSION

The mission of Research Triangle High School is to increase access to globally competitive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education for students and teachers across North Carolina, by incubating, proving, and scaling innovative models of teaching and learning. Our vision is to graduate young people who are prepared for college-level studies, and who have learned the 21st-century skills that Research Triangle Park-like companies seek.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Research Triangle High School is seeking a highly organized, student-centered School Counselor to join our Student Services team. The School Counselor plays an essential role in supporting students’ academic achievement, social-emotional development, postsecondary planning, and overall success.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative professional with strong communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet established deadlines. This position requires regular collaboration with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community partners.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Comprehensive School Counseling Program

• Establish, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with school goals, student needs, and professional school counseling standards.
• Use student data to identify needs, establish priorities, develop interventions, and evaluate program effectiveness.

Student Support & Intervention

• Provide individual and group counseling for students with identified academic, behavioral, social-emotional, attendance, or personal concerns.
• Monitor student academic performance, behavior, attendance, and progress toward graduation and facilitate appropriate interventions when concerns arise.
• Collaborate with administrators, teachers, families, and Student Services staff to identify students needing additional support.
• Respond appropriately to student crises and other immediate student-support needs in collaboration with school administration and appropriate personnel.

Academic Planning, Scheduling & Course Enrollment

• Assist students with course selection, academic planning, and development of four-year graduation plans.
• Review student records and monitor progress toward meeting North Carolina graduation requirements.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators regarding appropriate educational placement and academic interventions.
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure scheduling and enrollment responsibilities are completed within established school timelines.

Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain timely, professional, and responsive communication with students, parents/guardians, faculty, administrators, and community partners.
• Consult with teachers, administrators, and families regarding students with identified concerns or needs.
• Assist teachers, parents/guardians, and other stakeholders in interpreting and understanding student data.
• Collaborate with school personnel to support implementation of the North Carolina Guidance Essential Standards.
• Communicate proactively regarding student concerns, deadlines, required documentation, and follow-up actions.
• Work collaboratively as a member of the Student Services team and participate in schoolwide initiatives and meetings.

Program Management, Compliance & Professional Responsibilities

• Adhere to applicable federal and state laws, school policies and procedures, confidentiality requirements, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession.
• Coordinate the school's Governor's School nomination and application process, including identifying eligible students, communicating requirements and deadlines, collecting required materials, and ensuring timely submission of applications.
• Serve as the school's McKinney-Vento Liaison and support students experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Identify students who may qualify for services and ensure eligible students have access to appropriate educational supports and resources.
• Complete required documentation, reports, referrals, applications, and other assigned responsibilities accurately and within established deadlines.
• Participate in professional development to strengthen counseling knowledge, skills, and practices.
• Perform other duties related to student services and school operations as assigned.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Current or eligible North Carolina School Counselor licensure preferred/required as applicable.
• Experience working with high school students preferred.
• Knowledge of high school graduation requirements, academic planning, scheduling, college and career readiness, and student support services.
• Familiarity with the ASCA National Model and comprehensive school counseling practices preferred.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and families.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional organization, follow-through, and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to manage a caseload and multiple competing priorities effectively
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in student records, scheduling, and documentation
• Ability to communicate proactively with students, families, and staff
• Sound professional judgment and discretion when handling confidential information
• Ability to build positive relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team
• Commitment to student advocacy, equity, academic achievement, and postsecondary success
• Ability to remain flexible and responsive in a fast-paced high school environment
• Experience with Infinite Campus and Canvas is preferred