Licensed School Counselor for Teens (Equity & Wellness)

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA); Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) seeks a licensed mental health professional to provide counseling to high school students, including drop-in sessions and crisis support, and to guide peer support programs.

The role emphasizes equity and inclusion, collaboration with Student Affairs, and coordination with Residence Life staff; travel and evenings/weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a counseling related field.
• Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor/Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCPC or LCSW).
• Experience in an educational setting.
• Experience working with high school age students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and diverse populations.
• Ability to work independently, resolve issues, seek help when needed, and work on concurrent projects.
• Experienced user of common computer hardware, office productivity software, and mobile devices.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Support the emotional, psychosocial and overall psychological wellbeing of the students
• Assist students in adjusting to the rigors of the IMSA academic and social environment, including providing solution-focused therapy, crisis management and crisis intervention and advocating for students in times of stress with staff, faculty and other students.
• Assess and refer students and families to appropriate resources
• Conduct presentations, centered on issues relevant to gifted adolescents
• Advocate for students in times of stress with staff, faculty and other students
• Meet with the student and parent for academic concerns, mental health issues, residential or behavioral concerns, and issues originating at home
• Consult with Resident Counselors and other staff members regarding student issues
• Train Resident Counselors and staff members on various issues related to student mental, emotional and social health
• Mandated reporting for child abuse and neglect
• Conduct brief group counseling for special interest groups
• Coordinate and participate in various programs such as Sophomore Seminar and the Senior Transitional Education Program (STEP)
• Communicate with parents when a student experiences serious psychological problems
• Collaborate with Student Affairs team members and Academy partners to support students’ social and emotional needs
• Perform psychosocial screenings on students of concern, and refer students for external assessment when needed
• Serve on various department and community-wide teams
• Establish relationships with local mental health agencies and professionals
• Attend staff meetings including Student Affairs department and residence hall meetings
• Complete required documentation and administrative tasks
• Assist with divisional and campus-wide events such as Preview Day, Graduation, Carnival, Convocation, Registration, Welcome Week and Orientation, as assigned by the Chief Student Affairs Officer.
• Contribute to the overall success of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s strategic plan
• Ability to work irregular schedules, including periodic evening and/or weekend hours
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Diversity experience

Independent working

Tech literacy

Education

Master's degree in counseling-related field

Licensed LCPC or LCSW

Tools

Office software

Mobile devices

Driver's license

Job description

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) seeks a licensed mental health professional to provide counseling to high school students, including drop-in sessions and crisis support, and to guide peer support programs.

The role emphasizes equity and inclusion, collaboration with Student Affairs, and coordination with Residence Life staff; travel and evenings/weekends may be required.