Student Support Counselor

NEWPORT NEWS PUBLIC SCHOOLS; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport News Public Schools in Newport News, Virginia seeks a Student Support Specialist to assist in implementing the student support program, provide counseling services, and coordinate with families and community agencies.

The role emphasizes crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and collaboration with school staff to support student success. Immediate start with a strong background in counseling and family services is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field.
• Experience providing crisis intervention, counseling, and substance abuse prevention education for school-aged children.
• State Substance Abuse Counselor Certification preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of substance abuse education, mental health services, trauma‑informed care, and referral resources.
• Excellent assessment, case management, crisis intervention, interpersonal, conflict mediation, and communication skills.
• Ability to conduct individual and group counseling sessions, assessments, workshops, and activities for students and their families.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and outside agencies.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementing the student support program for the assigned school.
• Collaborate with school staff to develop intervention and prevention strategies for students and develops individualized service plans to facilitate achievement.
• Conduct individual and group counseling in crisis intervention, family intervention, and problem solving/decision making, conflict mediation, substance abuse, grief, and anger management.
• Provide families with information related to the needs of their child and act as a resource to parents/guardians by providing family support activities.
• Assess and monitor family and student progress and provide referral and resources for students who are found to be using alcohol and other drugs.
• Serve as a liaison between their assigned school and such agencies as human services, court services, community services board, and/or community based mental health agencies regarding a substance abuse and/or social emotional concerns affecting a student’s progress in the academic environment.
• Acts as a resource to administrators, school counselors, teachers, and health services personnel at the assigned school regarding the student assistance program.
• Conduct staff development activities geared toward prevention and intervention initiatives.
• Acts as a member of the school crisis team and provides referral services as needed under the supervision of the Student Support Supervisor.
• Maintains necessary records and reports ensuring confidentiality of students and their families.
• Inputs information for student services in shared database.
• Assists in developing and implementing crisis intervention, trauma informed care, student and family support interventions, problem solving/decision making, grief, anger management, and substance abuse programs under the supervision of the Student Support Supervisor.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.

Skills

Assessment

Case management

Crisis intervention

Interpersonal skills

Conflict mediation

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in counseling

Master’s degree in social work

Job description

Newport News Public Schools in Newport News, Virginia seeks a Student Support Specialist to assist in implementing the student support program, provide counseling services, and coordinate with families and community agencies.

The role emphasizes crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and collaboration with school staff to support student success. Immediate start with a strong background in counseling and family services is preferred.