Counselor - Polk Alternative

Cedar Rapids Community School District; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is hiring a Middle School Counselor in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The ideal candidate will have a MA in School Counseling and an Iowa Teaching Certification, focusing on delivering a comprehensive counseling program directly to students.

The counselor will work collaboratively with school staff, parents, and community partners to ensure students' academic and emotional support. This role includes direct instruction, crisis response, and promoting student development through various activities.

Qualifications

• Ability to deliver a comprehensive School Counseling program.
• Experience as a school counselor or classroom teacher preferred.
• Iowa Teaching Certification with an endorsement in School Counseling required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction and counseling to students.
• Assist students with individual planning and evaluations.
• Collaborate with parents and educators to support student success.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Creativity

Critical Thinking

Data Analysis

Education

MA in School Counseling

Job description

Cedar Rapids Community School District Polk Alternative Education Center

Middle School Counselor

SUMMARY: The Cedar Rapids Community School District is seeking a highly qualified 6-8 Professional School Counselor who can deliver a comprehensive School Counseling program directly to students through curriculum, individual student planning, responsive services, and indirectly through student-centered collaborations, consultations, and referrals.

ENDORSEMENTS: Counselor K-8 or Counselor 5-12

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND MINDSETS

Works collaboratively with administration, school staff, parents, students, and community partners to deliver a comprehensive school counseling program.

Demonstrates creativity and critical thinking in assisting administration, school staff, parents and students in overcoming barriers to learning.

Utilizes effective communication skills when interacting virtually, in-person, or in writing with administration, school staff, parents, students and community partners.

Analyzes and uses data regularly to help inform decisions about programming, innovations, and interventions.

DIRECT STUDENT SERVICES

• Instruction: direct instruction, team teaching, developing learning activities
• Group activities: planned activities outside the classroom promoting academic, career or social/emotional development
• Appraisal: assist students in evaluating interests, abilities, skills and achievement
• Advisement: assist students in goal setting based on academic, career and social/emotional data
• Responsive services:
  • Counseling: in individual or small-group settings, short-term, goal-focused counseling. School counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in schools; however, they are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and to assist students and families seeking resources.
  • Crisis response: provide support and assistance to students and families as they navigate crisis and emergency situations.

INDIRECT STUDENT SERVICES

• Consultation: share strategies supporting student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations.
• Collaboration: work with other educators, parents and the community to support student achievement.
• Referrals: support students and families to school or community resources for additional assistance and information.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be provided as needed.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

MA in School Counseling required.

Experience as a school counselor or classroom teacher preferred.

SKILLS

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and implement ideas from technical documents, assessment data, professional journals and regulations. Ability to write reports and communications to students, colleagues, parents and staff. Ability to present information orally and respond to questions from administrators, teachers, staff and students. Ability to assist students in language and literacy.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to perform basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, decimals and fractions; ability to assist students in applying these concepts.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve problems effectively and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

REQUIRED DISPOSITIONS

• Believes that all children can attain high levels of learning.
• Take responsibility for the learning of their children and their own performance.
• Possesses knowledge and skills to build effective educational experiences that benefit all children.
• Applies principles of continuous improvement through the use of quality tools and processes.
• Functions as an effective member of the educational/school team.
• Will not shy from today's educational challenges.
• Utilizes effective interpersonal skills.
• Has a track record of success.
• Works with great integrity.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Required: Iowa Teaching Certification with an endorsement in School Counseling or Professional Service License in School Counseling.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES

Ability to apply knowledge of current research as it relates to support of the district’s educational goals. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community. Ability to speak clearly and concisely in oral and written communication. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee must frequently stand, walk, use hands and fingers; talk and hear; and be able to squat, stoop or kneel, reach above the head, and lift or move items up to 50 pounds over distances up to 12 feet. This includes routine tasks such as handling curriculum materials, desks, chairs, and boxes, and occasionally pushing or pulling tables and carts.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is generally quiet. A professional working day may extend beyond typical 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The employee will work indoors and outdoors supervising students, including on floors, desks, and outdoor activities.

LEGAL STATEMENTS

Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or socioeconomic status.

Federal law obligates an employer to provide reasonable accommodation for known disabilities of applicants, unless it would pose an undue hardship.