Temporary School Counselor

Requirements

• Master's degree in school counseling
• Current ISBE Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counseling Endorsement

Reports to

Principal

Evaluated by

Principal

Primary Function

As a vital member of the school’s educational leadership team, professional school counselors provide comprehensive developmental supports within the academic, personal/social, and career domains to ensure that today’s students become well‑adjusted adults of tomorrow. School counselors are uniquely trained professional educators with a mental health perspective, understand respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. They provide proactive leadership to engage all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help all students achieve success in school.

Major

Job Responsibilities Create, Implement, and Evaluate a Comprehensive School Counseling Program

The program is aligned with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) REACH Framework for School Counselors, which is in turn aligned to the American School Counselor Association National Model for School Counseling Programs. It delivers services equitably to all students in the building.

Conduct Annual Needs Assessments and Data Reviews

The counselor will conduct an annual needs assessment and data review to identify critical areas of student need, then create targeted program goals aligned to the school wide goals, mission, and vision. This ensures that counseling services address areas of demonstrated need, resulting in improved academic achievement.

Implement the School Counseling Core Curriculum

To reach all students, the counselor will design, conduct, and co‑teach learning activities in classrooms, large groups, and school‑wide settings, based on academic, career, postsecondary, and social/emotional needs. Activities may include classroom guidance, high school/college/career fairs, tours, and grade‑level or school‑wide team‑building activities.

Provide Individual Student Planning Activities

In collaboration with students, staff, and families, the counselor will create an academic plan that leads to successful diploma attainment and postsecondary options. Activities may include facilitating completion of the Individual Learning Plan in Naviance, transition activities (e.g., orientations, high‑school application process), events to inform families of test results and their implications for educational planning, and advisement to keep on track to the next grade level or phase.

Provide

Responsive Services

In collaboration with students, staff, and families, the counselor will provide services to address barriers to academic achievement. Activities may include small groups, structured short‑term goal‑oriented counseling sessions, participation in building‑level student assistance teams, facilitation of conferences with students, teachers, and families, consultation with teachers, families, and external partners regarding developmental needs, school‑wide support during crises or emergencies, and participation in IEP/504 plan teams.

The counselor does NOT provide therapeutic treatment of mental, emotional, or bodily disorders.

Provide Indirect Student Support

Indirect services are provided on behalf of students through the counselor’s interactions with others. Activities may include referral of students/families to district and community resources; sharing strategies that support student achievement with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders; serving as a student advocate to promote development within the three domains; serving as the school’s resident expert on student development; reaching out to other experts and stakeholders for information on students’ needs;

teaming, partnering, and serving on committees and advisory boards; and creating formalized partnerships with community‑based organizations.

Provide System Support

The counselor will coordinate, conduct, and participate in activities that support the effective operation of the school consistent with the approved counseling program. Activities may include creating an annual counseling evidence‑based implementation plan and annual agreement to support overall school goals;…