Counselor - Grades 1-8

Achievement Unlocked serves academically advanced and emotionally challenged students in grades 1 through 8 who struggle with emotional regulation and social engagement. Many of our students are diagnosed with ASD, Anxiety, ADHD, or accompanying dysregulation disorders. While there is not a typical AU profile, students may have exhibited school refusal or suffered from failures in previous environments. Our students struggle to concentrate, manage their emotions, and deal calmly with provocation.

Most do not have self‑regulation mechanisms. We see these challenges as learning opportunities.

We are seeking a counselor to provide students with counseling designed to help them fulfill their intellectual, emotional, and social growth potential. Our counselor develops or modifies plans and prepares activities tailored to student ability levels. They implement strategies that reach students who need support in social‑emotional domains, personal care, interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, and communication. They are in close contact with parents and are committed to providing regular updates on progress.

They fully participate in our data‑driven approach to measuring and improving student outcomes. This position requires flexibility, a growth mindset, and the willingness to partner with support staff and foster collaboration as a team.

• Provide comprehensive counseling services to students grades 1-8, including individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, as well as consultation with parents, teachers, administrators, and the RSP team.
• Establish and maintain a responsive environment that fosters competence, autonomy, and relatedness to others.
• Differentiate activities to allow for various modes of learning and varied formats to demonstrate understanding.
• Identify and track targets for each student.
• Scaffold students in developing appropriate social and academic skills.
• Motivate students to take on challenging tasks and reinforce a growth mindset.
• Model executive function skills and strategies.
• Collaborate with other school staff, including teachers, support staff, administration, other related service providers, and behavioral teams, to develop and implement programs and interventions that promote academic, career, and social‑emotional development.
• Write narrative reports for students three times per year.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of counseling sessions and other relevant information, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Complete all training provided by the school, including certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention.

• Advanced degree in counseling, school counseling, or social work; valid state licensure/certification.
• Two years of experience as a Counselor is preferred, but new counselors are welcome to apply.
• Solid knowledge of current counseling topics and methodologies.
• Ability to apply a data‑driven methodology to inform interventions using student metrics.
• Ability to understand IEPs and meaningfully put goals into practice.
• Demonstrated skill working with children within our niche population.
• Familiarity with both proactive and reactive strategies for managing behavior.
• Patience, resourcefulness, and resilience.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and desire to grow.