HS Counselor

Position: HS Counselor - $2,500 Hiring Incentive
Company Description

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths-whether college, career, or beyond-so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Job Description

Reporting to the Manager of Student Support Services, the KIPP KC High School Counselor plays a critical role in supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally as they navigate their high school journey and prepare for postsecondary opportunities. The counselor will deliver a comprehensive, identity-affirming school counseling program that includes academic advising, SEL skill-building, career exploration, and responsive support.

This role includes four core areas of responsibility:

* Academic Counseling

* Social-Emotional Learning

* Responsive Services

* Systems-Level Support

Key Responsibilities

Academic Counseling & Postsecondary Planning

* Guide students in academic planning, course selection, and graduation requirement tracking.

* Ensure 100% of students develop and update their Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP).

Provide targeted support to students at risk of falling behind in credits or off-track for graduation.

* Collaborate with the College Counseling and Postsecondary team to support students in pursuing college, career, and trade pathways.

* Advise on dual credit/enrollment options, ACT/SAT prep, and summer learning opportunities.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Direct Services

* Deliver SEL lessons and small group counseling aligned to the comprehensive counseling program and KIPP KC's values.

* Offer direct support for student well-being and identity development, including topics such as mental health, peer relationships, time management, and stress.

* Keep detailed records of sessions and progress, using data to inform supports and programming.

* Collaborate with educators to support a culturally responsive and trauma-informed classroom culture.

Responsive Services

* Provide immediate and short-term individual or group counseling in response to student needs.

* Participate in crisis response and safety planning for students in need of urgent support.

* Facilitate peer mediation and conflict resolution processes.

* Refer students and families to appropriate internal and community-based resources when necessary.

Systems-Level Collaboration

* Participate in school-wide support teams, including IEP, 504, MTSS, CARE, and Student of Concern meetings.

* Collaborate with teachers, deans, and leaders to identify trends in student behavior, academics, and wellness.

* Support implementation of restorative practices and trauma-informed strategies across campus.

Organize and lead school-wide programming, such as Career Day, Mental Health Awareness events, and parent workshops.

Qualifications

Required:

* Master's degree or higher in School Counseling, Education, Social Work, or a related mental health discipline.

* Missouri School Counseling Certification (K-12 or 9-12), or eligibility to obtain.

* Passion for working with adolescents and supporting equity in postsecondary access.

Preferred:

* Experience working in a high school setting, particularly with first-generation college-bound students.

* Knowledge of trauma-informed and restorative practices.

* Familiarity with ICAP development, Naviance, Infinite Campus, and/or other counseling management platforms.

Skills and Competencies

* Strong belief in the potential of every student.

* Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally affirming practices.

* Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

* Ability to balance compassion with accountability in supporting student growth.

* Highly organized and data-driven in service tracking and documentation.

Physical Requirements

* Ability to navigate the school building and participate in duties such as arrival, dismissal, and lunch supervision.

Willingness to attend school events, professional development, and meetings both in-person and virtually.

Additional Information

Work Environment

* Reports to work Monday-Friday and some weekends.

* A typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

* Ability to travel to work location.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

$2,500 Signing Bonus will be paid…