School Counselor in Chester

Established in 1998 with 97 students, CCCS has steadily increased to more than 4,000 students in grades K-8 across 12 state-of-the-art buildings on four campuses. The school is a true community success story that has transformed the lives of thousands of students and their families.

Job Description: To provide counseling services to students as directed. Work cooperatively with the interdisciplinary team members to provide services to students and families.

Essential Functions:

• Provides counseling services to students who have emotional and/or behavioral components in their Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Provides career-counseling services as needed and if appropriate.
• Provides counseling to promote social skills, behaviour management, coping mechanisms, and increased attention to task.
• Participates in development and implementation of IEPs.
• Organises, coordinates, and conducts in-service training for staff regarding behaviour management, socialisation, Children and Youth Services (CYS) practices, etc.
• Communicates and works collaboratively with other staff and parents regarding the social and emotional issues of the student.
• Adheres to weekly counseling schedules and provides written documentation to the Director of Social Services/Parent Involvement.
• Participates in formulation of policies related to drug and alcohol awareness, behaviour issues, and attention difficulties.
• Maintains daily documentation of all services provided.
• Reports problems of neglect or abuse to local CYS agency.
• Complies with policies, regulations and procedures of the Chester Community Charter School; communicates effectively with parents and works collaboratively with staff.
• Displays high-level professional conduct and image at all times; establishes and maintains an acceptable attendance record; and participates in extra-curricular activities and/or leadership roles outside the classroom.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Counseling from an accredited college or university.
• Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check Clearance.
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance.
• FBI Criminal Background Clearance.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Pennsylvania Certification in Elementary and Secondary School Counselor.

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

• Applicable school counseling laws and practices.
• Understanding and interpreting a student’s IEP.
• Mental health issues and proper procedures for identification and referrals.
• Conducting interviews and engaging students and their families.
• McKinney-Vento Act.
• The adverse effects of poverty, trauma and homelessness on children.

Demonstrated Ability to:

• Communicate and manage time effectively.
• Work with students’ emotional and behavioural issues in a manner that respects their privacy and enhances their educational experience both socially, emotionally and academically.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, students, families, team members and others.

Note: CCCS has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.