Counselor II

Youth Guidance; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth Guidance in Kansas City, MO is seeking a WOW Counselor II to deliver school-based group counseling and individualized support for female-identifying students in grades 6–12, promoting emotional well-being and healthy relationships.

Using trauma-informed practices, you will provide short-term counseling, crisis intervention, and help with referrals, while coordinating with families, school staff, and community partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or related human service field from an accredited university is required (Master’s degree preferred).
• LCSW, LCPC, or LPC (or eligibility for clinical licensure).
• Minimum of two years’ experience in school-based, clinical, or youth-serving settings.
• Familiarity with crisis intervention models, evidence-based practices, and SEL frameworks.
• Experience facilitating group counseling sessions and delivering trauma-informed care.
• Experience working in schools or youth-serving systems (e.g., DCFS, juvenile facilities).

Responsibilities

• Facilitate 4-5 weekly group counseling sessions utilizing the WOW curriculum during the school day.
• Participate in individual and group supervision, case consultation, and fidelity coaching.
• Provide clinical and psychosocial assessments as needed to support students’ development.
• Deliver trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate one-on-one support and short-term counseling.
• Deliver crisis intervention, risk assessments, and safety planning with school teams.
• Coordinate care and aftercare planning with families and external providers.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation including case notes and risk assessments.
• Support program implementation by engaging school partners and staff training.
• Collaborate with LSC, Parent Programs, and Pupil Personnel Support teams.
• Lead or support special projects and events promoting youth development and mental health.
• Participate in staff development and required curriculum trainings.
• Perform public relations assignments as requested.

Skills

Rapport building with youth

Time management

Written and verbal communication

Independent and collaborative work

Cultural humility

Creativity engaging youth

Team-based approach to treatment

Microsoft Office

Bilingual Spanish/English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Licenses: LCSW/LCPC/LPC or eligibility

Tools

Electronic record-keeping systems

Job description

Position Summary: WOW Counselor II staff are responsible for delivering school-based group counseling and individualized support to female-identifying students in grades 6–12 to promote emotional well-being, healthy relationships, and positive decision-making. Drawing on their academic training in counseling, social work, or psychology, WOW Counselor II staff use trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices to facilitate group sessions, provide short-term counseling as needed, and respond to student crises. They also play a key role in supporting mental health referrals and helping students navigate personal, social, and academic challenges.

• Facilitate 4-5 weekly group counseling sessions utilizing the WOW curriculum during the school day
• Participate in individual and group clinical supervision, case consultation, and fidelity coaching.
• Provide clinical assessments and psychosocial assessments as appropriately indicated by supporting students’ social-emotional development.
• Provide trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate for one-on-one support and short-term individual counseling to students as needed.
• Deliver crisis intervention, risk assessments, and safety planning in collaboration with school-based teams.
• Coordinate care and aftercare planning with families, school staff, and external service providers, including mental health referrals.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation including case notes and risk assessments in accordance with program standards.
• Support program implementation by engaging school partners, providing in-service training, and participating in family engagement events.
• Collaborate with LSC, Parent Programs and the Pupil Personnel Support team
• Lead or support special projects, events, and initiatives that promote young people development, mental health awareness, and leadership.
• Participate in WOW staff development and required curriculum trainings
• Perform public relations assignments as requested
• Other duties assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Experience/Training

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related human service field from an approved accredited university is required (Master’s degree preferred)
• LCSW, LCPC, or LPC (or eligibility for clinical licensure)
• Minimum of two years’ experience in school-based, clinical, or young people-serving settings.
• Familiarity with crisis intervention models, evidence-based practices, and SEL frameworks.
• Experience facilitating group counseling sessions and delivering trauma-informed care.
• Experience working in schools or young people relates systems, i.e. DCFS, juvenile detention, mental health facilities

Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and engage young people in meaningful therapeutic relationships.
• Strong case documentation and time management abilities.
• Ability to demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a school-based environment.
• Cultural humility and demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Must demonstrate creativity in engaging young people
• Provide a positive team-based approach to treatment and care working with clients
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic record-keeping systems.
• Bilingual highly preferred, fluent in Spanish and English