ABOUT US

Family Life Academy Charter School (commonly called FLACS) is a nonprofit network of high-performing charter schools in the South Bronx. Family Life Academy Charter Schools, together with the Latino Pastoral Action Center and parents, create the conditions for self-empowerment for all its K-12 students to excel academically, take responsibility for their own learning, and affirm human values, today, in college, and beyond. We are guided by this mission and through it, we have revolutionized education for students from K-12. 

Family Life Academy Charter Schools is currently seeking dynamic guidance staff who

• Value collaboration with like-minded individuals who believe that education is activism.
• Want to work in an environment where all students are scholars and academic excellence is the norm.
• Believe that young people can be leaders who can create positive change in their communities and that schools should be safe, warm and caring environments. 
• Desire to work in a place where their skills will be nurtured through an embedded professional development program.

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Overview: 

Under the supervision of the principal, the guidance counselor applies their professional knowledge and skills to ensure that curricula and programs address the developmental and educational needs of all students. The guidance counselor supervises students, coordinates a comprehensive counseling program and works closely with administration and parents to best serve every child so that they will achieve success in their academic achievement as well as their personal and social growth. The guidance counselor facilitates the successful implementation of rigorous standards based FLACS guidance curricula, provides mandated services, and meets with students to ensure they have access to grade appropriate resources necessary for academic and social development. The guidance counselor is responsive to the diverse learning needs, strengths, interests and experiences of all students. The guidance counselor works with the school leader and administrators to implement school procedures and policies and communicates with parents, guardians and/or caregivers. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Creates and implements data-driven school counseling programs based on the needs of the student body.
• Provides mandated counseling services to students with IEPs and counseling to at-risk students.
• Demonstrates knowledge of grade level guidance topics to engage students in age appropriate counseling programs.
• Implements a classroom guidance program for bully awareness.

• Conducts daily conflict resolution interventions with students who demonstrate need.
• Provides support to students struggling with peer relationships, coping strategies and effective social skills.
• Participates in child study meetings, response to intervention meetings, and IEP meetings.
• Supports the attendance of students as a member of the school attendance team.
• Provides individual/family/school crisis intervention for students and their families, including supporting students in shelters.

• Supports the principal as mandated reporter for attendance referrals, educational neglect, child abuse and neglect, suicide reports and enrollment/transfer of students.
• Collaborates with teachers, administration and parents exploring interventions to help students achieve academically, social and emotionally.
• Consults with parents, teachers, administrators and supporting agencies concerning the needs of students and acts as liaison with ACS when necessary.
• Participates in meetings with parents/guardians and administration regarding school concerns such as academic concerns, lateness and attendance concerns. 
• Supports the teachers in administering a comprehensive social emotional learning curriculum in their classrooms. 

Professional Responsibilities:

• Upholds the FLACS mission, core beliefs, and educational philosophy.
• Reflects on their practice and is a lifelong learner who strives to improve effectiveness and guide professional growth.
• Engages and collaborates with colleagues and the community to develop and sustain a common culture that supports high expectations for student learning.
• Displays evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree required
• Prior satisfactory counseling or teaching experience preferred
• New York State Certification in School Counseling

• NYS Department of Education fingerprint clearance 

It is the policy of FLACS to provide educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, alienage and citizenship status, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex) or prior record of arrest or convictions (except as provided bylaw), and to maintain an environment free of discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment, or retaliation, as required by civil rights law.