WOW Counselor II - Schurz High School

Youth Guidance; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Short-term disability

Life insurance

401k

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

Youth Guidance seeks a WOW Counselor II to deliver school-based group counseling for female-identifying students in grades 6–12, using trauma-informed and culturally responsive methods. The role includes short-term counseling, crisis response, and coordinating mental health referrals within a Chicago school setting.

Responsibilities include facilitating weekly sessions, conducting psychosocial assessments, and maintaining precise documentation while collaborating with families and school staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or related human service field from an approved accredited university.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate 4-5 weekly group counseling sessions during the school day with WOW curriculum.
• 2) Provide short-term individual counseling and crisis response as needed.
• 3) Conduct psychosocial and clinical assessments to support social-emotional development.
• 4) Coordinate care and referrals with families, school staff, and external providers.
• 5) Maintain accurate clinical documentation and participate in supervision and fidelity coaching.
• 6) Lead or support special projects and school-partner engagement.
• 7) Contribute to public relations and staff development activities.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Group counseling

Cultural humility

Bilingual

Communication skills

Time management

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

LCSW/LCPC/LPC or licensure eligible

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic records

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.Location: 3601 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641Hours: 7:45am-3pm Mon-FriEssential Duties/Responsibilities:Facilitate 4-5 weekly group counseling sessions utilizing the WOW curriculum during the school dayParticipate 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 teamLead or support special projects, events, and initiatives that promote youth development, mental health awareness, and leadership.Participate in WOW staff development and required curriculum trainingsPerform public relations assignments as requestedOther duties assignedMinimum Qualifications:Education/Experience/TrainingBachelor’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 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 relates systems, i.e. DCFS, juvenile detention, mental health facilities Skills/AbilitiesDemonstrated ability to build rapport and engage youth in meaningful therapeutic relationships.Strong case documentation and time management abilities.Ability to demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skillsAbility 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 youthProvide a positive team-based approach to treatment and care working with clientsProficient in Microsoft Office and electronic record-keeping systems.Bilingual highly preferred, fluent in Spanish and EnglishBenefitsYouth Guidance offers a competitive benefit package for eligible full-time employees including the option to participate in medical, dental, and vision plans as well as short-term disability, life insurance, flex spending accounts, pet insurance, 401k, a wellness program and more. You may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).Core CompetenciesCommunication: Uses effective written and oral communication with internal staff, teams, and community served; demonstrates empathy and listeningClient orientation: Recognizes needs of diverse stakeholders and approaches relationships with a service orientation, to ultimately maximize the impactEquity mindset: Understands and is committed to goals of equity, consistently brings an equity mindset to the organization’s work and workplaceGrowth mindset: Views growth as important for personal and professional development; seeks out opportunities to expand skills, even if the change is required, demonstrates curiosity and eagerness to learnOwnership and quality of work: Effectively manages own work, and work of the team to ensure delivery of high-quality workSupervisory skills: Effectively manages and develops othersMission drive: Demonstrates commitment to the missing of the organization as a whole and alignment with organization values Leadership Core Competencies (Supervisor & above roles)Continuous improvement-minded: Takes initiative to identify and execute strategies and processes to continuously improve one’s leadership to strengthen organization’s overall impact.Develops and motivates others: Motivates others and supports their development through strong coaching and mentoring. Effectively stewards self and others through both small- and large-scale change.External representation and relationship building: Represents the organization among external stakeholders, and builds strong, trusting relationships with stakeholdersLeads with vision: Has an inspiring vision for the future of the organization, beyond the status quo, and communicates it effectively; leads with courage and willingness to take risks in service of impactManages with data: Understands data; analyzes data and identifies insights and implicationsStrategic thinking and resource management: Considers the future of the organization proactively and responsively; weighs diverse inputs to inform strategies; identifies innovative opportunities when relevant; makes and communicates decisions that effectively balance tradeoffs between financial sustainability and impactTeam building: Builds strong relationships with teams and colleagues; fosters effective teams and collaborative interactionsPhysical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functionsWork EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This job operates in a professional office environment, school setting, and working with the public.Occasional local travelOur ValuesAt Youth Guidance, we believe that creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected is fundamental to realizing our vision of bright and successful futures for all young people. We acknowledge that many systems and institutions intended to support youth do not provide fair treatment or access for everyone. We strive to celebrate the unique qualities of youth and recognize them as empowered leaders, problem-solvers, and experts of their own experiences.Youth Guidance is an equal opportunity employer. Youth Guidance does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law and is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.