School Guidance Counselor

Description

Job Purpose

The School Counselor at Paideia Liberal Arts Academy (PLA) implements a comprehensive school counseling program based on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and the Arizona Comprehensive Competency-Based Guidance (CCBG) framework. The counselor supports student academic achievement, social/emotional development, and postsecondary planning - including concurrent enrollment - with a strong emphasis on equity, access, and advocacy for all students.

Primary Responsibilities

Deliver direct counseling services using the ASCA/CCBG models through classroom guidance, small groups, and individual student planning.

Support students in understanding and achieving academic success, postsecondary goals, and personal development.

Create a positive school culture that reflects Paideia's core values:
Respect and Responsibility.

Guide students in developing academic and career plans that include opportunities for dual enrollment at South Mountain Community College.

Support students in exploring college and career options aligned with their strengths and interests.

Provide structured transition support for key milestones: elementary to middle, middle to high school, and high school to postsecondary education or work.

Coordinate PLA's concurrent enrollment program, including:

Identifying and supporting eligible students.

Collaborating with South Mountain Community College.

Supporting students and families with the application, enrollment, and success in college-level coursework.

Promote awareness and participation in early college experiences.

Conduct family workshops on topics such as academic planning, college readiness, mental health, and character education.

Actively engage families through meetings, home visits, and collaborative problem-solving when needed.

Refer families to appropriate community resources when necessary.

Provide responsive counseling for individual and group needs related to behavior, attendance, trauma, or mental health.

Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and external agencies to support students requiring additional interventions.

Serve as a key member of student support and child study teams.

• Maintain student records and data, using results to improve the counseling program.
• Conduct annual needs assessments and student surveys to inform programming.
• Report program outcomes to stakeholders including school leadership and the school board.

• Deep understanding of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and college and career readiness frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to use data to inform decisions and track student progress.
• Knowledge of the ASCA National Model, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and culturally responsive counseling practices.

Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in School Counseling or related field.

Valid Arizona Guidance Counselor Certificate.

Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Preferred:
Experience working with historically underserved student populations;
Familiarity with dual/concurrent enrollment programs or community college partnerships;
Experience using Power School, Naviance, or similar systems.