School Counselor (Pearson Virtual Schools)

About the Role

Title: School Counselor

- Wyoming Connections Academy

Location: Cody or Home-based United States

Job Description:

Company Summary:

Wyoming Connections Academy (WYCA) is a tuition-free, online public school for students in grades K-12 throughout Wyoming. WYCA is authorized under state law as a distance education program of Big Horn County School District #1, and operates under the Wyoming Switchboard Network. WYCA was founded in 2009 as Jackson Hole Connections Academy, and in 2011 became Wyoming Connections Academy. The school is operated through a contract with Connections Academy, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED, and WYCA is accredited through Big Horn County School District #1.

Position Summary and Responsibilities:

Working from our office in Cody or from your home in Wyoming, the School Counselor will virtually assist students and parents/learning coaches with course selection, scheduling and will be the initial point of contact for student concerns that span multiple subject areas as well as non-academic issues. The School Counselor will become an expert on course and credit requirements and will work with the Manager of Counseling Services to establish counseling processes for middle and high school students.

We are looking for caring, dedicated educators who are excited to work at a school where they can focus on helping individual students thrive. Want to be a part of the personalized online school community that fosters real achievement for each and every student? Read on and apply below!

As a virtual school counselor, you will...

• Empower students to do their best and to achieve their goals

• Believe strongly in collaborating with families to prepare each student for success

• Assist students and parents/learning coaches with course selection and scheduling

• Be the initial point of contact for student concerns that span multiple subject areas as well as non-academic issues

• Put multimedia resources and powerful interactive tools to work in order to motivate and engage students

The School Counselor will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Advise students and families related to academics, career planning and graduation;

• Keep abreast of all high school graduation requirements, including special requirements such as community service, and communicate this information to the High School Coordinator and to the principal;

• Assist students and parents with the secondary school course selection process according to specific state credit and graduation requirements and student needs and interests. An integral part of this process is assisting students and parents to develop a Four Year Plan for meeting graduation requirements;

• Advise students with issues related to dropping courses and changing schedules, seeking support as needed, while ensuring that the school's course selection and drop policies are adhered to;

• Review student transcripts and the entry of credits into the online transcript system;

• Follow procedures to ensure that Connections Academy transcripts are accurate and up-to-date;

• Work with the administrative assistants to obtain school records from the student's previous school (where applicable) and forwarding student records when appropriate;

• Implement programs for students and families related to interpersonal adjustment issues;

• Work with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources;

• Participate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans for the school and serve as a key member of the Student Support Team (SST);

• Coordinate a team of middle and high school teachers to help identify students who are "at risk" or "in crisis"; Act as the main point of contact for these students and families, communicating regularly with them;

• Oversee and maintain the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) for each student;

• Implement efforts to secure complete and accurate records for Connections Academy students;

• Support families through the school withdrawal process, assisting with data collection regarding withdrawal;

• Report and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as obligated by law,

• administrative regulations, or ethical standards. Stay abreast of all state regulations relating to incident reporting and documentation;

• Assist teachers when students enroll mid-semester, making sure that teachers receive guidance on integrating the students into their coursework, and ensuring that previous grades, credits, and evaluations are handled appropriately;

• Communicate with the Curriculum Team to ensure that curriculum offerings meet state

• requirements;

• Implement special programs such as Advanced Placement support, SAT and ACT Preparation, and college entrance preparation;

• Understand the requirements for and assist the principal to facilitate the administration of all high school testing, including exit exams, PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams;

• Help students to research and understand their post-secondary career and educational options;

• Assist with student preparation of applications for college and jobs;

• Educate students and parents about college admissions requirements and financial aid;

• Coordinate high school graduation ceremonies;

• Support professional development activities for teachers and school staff members;

• Assume teaching and grading duties as necessary including teaching middle school elective courses;

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Wyoming service certification in School Counseling

• Must reside within the state of Wyoming (consideration for candidates who live on the Wyoming border)

• Technologically proficient (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite)

• Ability to travel for state-wide field trips, state testing, and professional development as needed

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

• Highly organized and punctual

• Customer focused approach

• High degree of flexibility

• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment

• Team player with demonstrated leadership skills

• Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)

Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families

• Ability to work remotely, if necessary

• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for 2-step authentication

Compensation Package

• Starting Salary with a Masters: $47,500+ (varies based on education and experience)

• Annual merit increase

• Work-from-home opportunities

• Big Horn County School District #1 comprehensive, competitive, and affordable medical, vision, and dental benefits

• Additional district-paid and voluntary benefits

• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year

• Career advancement opportunities