School Counselor

Established in 1998 with 97 students, CCCS has steadily increased to more than 4,000 students in grades K-8 across 12 state-of-the-art buildings on four campuses. The school is a true community success story that has transformed the lives of thousands of students and their families, while breathing life back into a city that was once one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant manufacturing suburbs.

Job Description:

To provide counseling services to students as directed.  Work cooperatively with the interdisciplinary team members to provide services to students and families.

Essential Functions:

• Provides counseling services to students who have emotional and/or behavioral components in their Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Provides career-counseling services as needed and if appropriate
• Provides counseling to promote social skills, behavior management, coping mechanisms, and increased attention to task
• Participates in development and implementation of IEPs
• Organizes, coordinates, and conducts in-service training for staff regarding behavior management, socialization, Children and Youth Services (CYS) practices, etc.
• Communicates and works collaboratively with other staff and parents regarding the social and emotional issues of the student
• Adheres to weekly counseling schedules and provides written documentation to the Director of Social Services/Parent Involvement
• Participates in formulation of policies related to drug and alcohol awareness, behavior issues, and attention difficulties
• Maintains daily documentation of all services provided
• Reports problems of neglect or abuse to local CYS agency
• Complies with policies, regulations and procedures of the Chester Community Charter School; communicates effectively with parents and works collaboratively with staff
• Displays high-level professional conduct and image at all times; establishes and maintains an acceptable attendance record; and participates in extra-curricular activities and/or leadership roles outside the classroom
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Counseling from an accredited college or university
• Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check Clearance
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
• FBI Criminal Background Clearance

Certifications/Licenses:

• Pennsylvania Certification in Elementary and Secondary School Counselor

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

• Applicable school counseling laws and practices
• Understanding and interpreting a student’s IEP
• Mental health issues and proper procedures for identification and referrals
• Conducting interviews and engaging students and their families
• McKinneyVento Act
• The adverse effects of poverty, trauma and homelessness on children

Demonstrated Ability to:

• Communicate and manage time effectively
• Work with students’ emotional and behavioral issues in a manner that respects their privacy and enhances their educational experience both socially, emotionally and academically
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, students, families, team members and others

Note:  CCCS has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time.  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.