School Counselor

School Counselor - Grades K-8

The Village Charter School 101 Sullivan Way Trenton, NJ 08628

Compensation and Benefits Salary: $61,619 - 98,590 Stipend opportunities are available ranging from $2,000-$4000 Employment

Terms:

10 - month full-time position Board-approved salary | Extended summer work may be required Employment is governed by an annual contract subject to Board of Trustees approval Benefits: (As applicable based on employment status) Health insurance options Retirement plan participation Professional development opportunities Paid time off in accordance with board policy

Qualifications:

Required New Jersey Educational Services Certificate with School Counselor Endorsement (Code 2702), or another NJDOE-authorized credential that permits service in the position. When the school elects to pursue an emergency certificate, the candidate must satisfy NJDOE eligibility requirements, and the school must follow applicable NJDOE procedures. Master's or higher degree and graduate preparation meeting current New Jersey Department of Education requirements for the School Counselor endorsement.

Satisfactory criminal history record review/fingerprinting and all other employment clearances required by law. Satisfactory completion of the pre-employment child abuse/sexual misconduct employment history review required by P.L. 2018, c.5, as applicable. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form and to maintain accurate confidential records. Preferred Three to five years of successful school counseling experience, preferably in a K-8 or comparable setting.

Experience implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and using student outcome data to guide services. Experience with crisis response, student support teams, SEL, school climate initiatives, attendance interventions, high school transition, and community-based referral systems. Knowledge of culturally responsive, trauma-informed, restorative, and evidence-informed student support practices.

The School Counselor designs, implements, delivers, and evaluates a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, data-informed school counseling program that promotes the academic success, social-emotional development, career awareness, well-being, and equitable access to opportunity of all students. The counselor provides direct and indirect services to students; collaborates with families, staff, administrators, and community partners; contributes to a safe and supportive school climate; and performs duties within the scope of the New Jersey School Counselor endorsement, applicable law and regulation, Board policy, and professional ethical standards.

Knowledge of child and adolescent development and developmentally appropriate counseling practices for K-8 students. Knowledge of the academic, career, and social-emotional domains of school counseling and the principles of comprehensive school counseling program design. Ability to provide individual, small-group, classroom, consultation, and referral services within professional scope. Ability to interpret student and program data, identify patterns and opportunity gaps, set measurable goals, and evaluate the impact of interventions.

Knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to acquire through training, confidentiality, student records, mandated reporting, crisis response, HIB, Section 504, school safety, and other legal/ethical requirements relevant to New Jersey school counselors. Ability to work effectively with students and families from diverse backgrounds and to advocate for equitable access, inclusion, and student success. Strong interpersonal, collaboration, facilitation, conflict-resolution, organization, documentation, and time-management skills.

Sound professional judgment, discretion, integrity, emotional regulation, and ability to respond effectively in urgent or sensitive situations.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT Village Charter School is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Legal References: N.J.S.A. 18A; N.J.A.C. 6A; ADA; FLSA; NJ First Act.