Job Description: K-12 School Counselor - Flexible Learning Network (FLN)
Location: City View High School @ Kirkwood / Five Seasons Virtual Academy @ Wilson
Reports To: Executive Director of Student Services and the FLN Head of Schools
Contract: School-Year Contract (as determined by district)
Position Summary
The School Counselor for the Flexible Learning Network (FLN) provides a comprehensive, K-12 school counseling program across both City View Community High School and the Five Seasons Virtual Academy (FSVA). This role is designed for a collaborative problem-solver and relationship-builder who can support students in a competency-based, early college, and virtual learning environment. The counselor helps students navigate diverse educational pathways while ensuring progress toward academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary goals.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Virtual Academy & Flexible Learning Support
- Provide counseling, academic planning, and graduation support specifically tailored for students in virtual learning environments.
- Monitor student engagement, attendance, and course completion to identify and address barriers to success in virtual settings.
- Develop individualized intervention plans for students at risk of falling behind and support transitions between traditional and virtual educational settings.
- Comprehensive School Counseling
- Deliver direct services through a school counseling core curriculum, including instruction and planned group activities that promote academic, career, and social-emotional development.
- Provide individual and small-group counseling focused on short-term, goal-oriented achievement and mental health needs.
- Assist students at all levels with individual student planning, including appraisal of interests/abilities and advisement for goal setting.
- Provide crisis response and assistance to families during emergency situations.
- Academic Planning & Graduation Support
- Develop and monitor individualized academic plans and conduct regular graduation requirement reviews.
- Support course selection, scheduling, and credit attainment.
- Utilize student data to identify concerns and implement interventions that promote student success.
- College, Career, and Pathways Planning
- Coordinate comprehensive college and career readiness programming, guiding students and families through admissions, financial aid (FAFSA), and scholarship applications.
- Maintain expertise in diverse pathways, including dual-credit/early college programming with Kirkwood Community College, apprenticeships, military service, and workforce training.
- Section 504 Coordination
- Serve as the school's Section 504 Coordinator, managing the identification, evaluation, and annual review processes.
- Facilitate 504 meetings and ensure the implementation of accommodations across various educational programs and assessments.
- Collaboration and Outreach
- Consult and collaborate with families, staff, and community partners to remove barriers to learning.
- Support student recruitment and enrollment for City View and FSVA, representing the programs at district and community events.
- Manage school social media and communications to highlight student achievements and promote the school's mission.
- Willingness and ability to collaborate with homeschool students and families.
- Other
- May carry a FLN roster if needed.
- Other duties as assigned by the superintendent and/or their designee.
Qualifications
Credentials
- MA in School Counseling - Required
- Valid Iowa School Counselor License (with appropriate K-8 and/or 5-12 endorsements for a K-12 scope) - Required
- Valid Iowa Teaching License - Preferred
Characteristics & Mindsets
- Student-centered and relationship-driven
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building new systems
- Commitment to educational equity and advocating for all students
- Strong philosophy and practices demonstrating support for student-centered learning, trauma-informed care, and positive behavior intervention systems (PBIS)
Experience/Skills
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Experience in virtual learning, alternative education, or competency-based environments
- Experience coordinating state and national assessments (ISASP, PSAT, ACT)
- Knowledge of college admissions and postsecondary transitions
- Data-informed decision maker who uses regular analysis to improve programming
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
- Ability to perform physical demands associated with school counseling, including standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
- Must be able to travel between district sites and attend occasional evening events
- The work environment is typically quiet but requires flexibility for virtual interaction and supervising various student activities