Academic Counselor, K-12 (27783404

Position Details

• Reporting Manager
  :
  Principal
• Status
  :
  Salary, Exempt
• Type
  :
  Regular, Full-Time (10 Months)
• Program
  :
  Iowa Virtual Schools

Stellar Virtual seeks a compassionate and experienced Academic Counselor to provide comprehensive support services to students in grades K-12 within our virtual learning environment. This remote position will be responsible for fostering students' academic, social-emotional, and college/career development. The Academic Counselor will work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to create a supportive and success-oriented learning experience for all students.

• Provide individual and group counseling to students regarding academic planning, course selection, graduation requirements, and post-secondary options.
• Develop and implement academic support plans for students experiencing academic difficulties.
• Monitor student academic progress and attendance, and proactively intervene when necessary.
• Collaborate with teachers and parents to address academic concerns and develop effective strategies for student success.
• Interpret and explain standardized test results to students and parents.
• Provide individual and group counseling to students addressing social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
• Implement social-emotional learning (SEL) programs and initiatives within the virtual environment.
• Identify and address student needs related to mental health, bullying, peer relationships, and family issues.
• Serve as a point of contact and resource for students and families navigating personal challenges.
• Make referrals to external community resources when necessary.
• Guide high school students through the college application process, including college research, essay writing, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
• Support on-site testing events periodically throughout the year (required).
• Provide information and resources related to career exploration, vocational training, and post-secondary pathways.
• Organize virtual college and career events and presentations.
• Assist students with developing post-secondary plans aligned with their interests and goals.
• Collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, special education staff, and other student support personnel.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, concerns, and available resources.
• Participate in virtual team meetings and professional development opportunities.

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience as a school counselor, preferably working with a range of grade levels (K-12).
• Demonstrated experience in providing individual and group counseling.
• Strong understanding of child and adolescent development.
• Knowledge of academic advising, college and career counseling, and social-emotional learning principles.
• Proficiency in using technology for communication, counseling, and record-keeping.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to supporting student well-being.
• Proven experience working independently with minimal supervision, including the ability to manage a digital task list and maintain a stable remote (home-office) infrastructure.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience using the Google Workspace suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive) in a professional or academic setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas via written channels (Email, Google Chat, and Document Comments) with high clarity and low ambiguity.
• Access to a private, secure, high-speed internet connection with a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds.
• Residency in the state of Iowa is required.

• A master's degree in School Counseling or a related field.
• A valid Iowa School Counselor license.

• Competitive vacation and paid time off plans
• Comprehensive medical (HMO, HDHP, and PPO), dental, and vision plans with varying coverage for employees and their families, with options available in all states, including a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) option.
• 401(k) retirement plan (pre- and post-tax options) with matching contribution up to 3% after one year of employment
• Additional supplemental disability, life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, legal aid, and  protection plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Two paid closure weeks each year (weeks of July 4 and December 25)
• 11 Company-paid Holidays

For W-2 employment, Stellar…