High School Counselor

The Queen City Difference

At Queen City Academy Charter School (QCACS), educators are our most treasured assets. We expect academic and character excellence from our students, and our staff play a vital role in fostering a dynamic learning environment where scholars receive the preparation and support needed to meet those expectations.

QCACS is committed to attracting and retaining educators with a demonstrated passion for helping students reach their highest potential. Our faculty work in a collegial, collaborative setting alongside supportive administrators and deeply engaged parent partners to ensure a high-quality educational experience for every student.

Queen City Academy Charter School is Plainfield, New Jersey’s first charter school. We currently serve students in grades K-12. Our mission is to create lifelong learners by cultivating critical thinkers and leaders who are equipped to open new doors and create generational success.

All staff members are expected to be committed to the mission of QCACS, demonstrate professionalism, maintain a strong work ethic (including a willingness to work extended hours when necessary), and exhibit a drive for personal and professional excellence.

Queen City Academy Charter School of Plainfield is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Overview: High School School Counselor

Salary: $60,250

The High School School Counselor supports the social-emotional, behavioral, and academic development of students while strengthening partnerships among home, school, and community. Under the direction of the Chief Academic Officer/Director and Assistant Academic Director, the School Counselor serves as a student advocate and collaborates with families, staff, and community agencies to empower students to reach their full potential.

The School Counselor must be resourceful, creative, and student-centered, with the ability to identify and mobilize services that support students’ emotional well-being, social growth, and academic success.

Key Responsibilities

The High School School Counselor will:

• Serve as Coordinator and Case Manager for the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) team, organizing meetings, developing action plans, and maintaining documentation related to students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional needs
• Attend monthly Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meetings
• Conduct home visits to foster positive communication and partnerships between families and the school
• Serve as the Anti-Bullying Specialist by investigating allegations of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) and preparing required monthly reports for the Board of Trustees
• Provide crisis intervention services as needed
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to address behavioral, emotional, and environmental factors impacting student learning
• Facilitate social skills groups and character education lessons based on identified student needs
• Conduct workshops for parents and guardians focused on strengthening parenting skills and understanding child development
• Develop and implement student orientation and articulation programs, including transition activities
• Serve as a liaison to community agencies and foster communication between school, families, and community partners
• Identify and mobilize community resources to support the school’s educational mission
• Oversee and maintain the school-wide behavioral incentive program, Battle of the Homeroom
• Lead or support after-school programs or student clubs as assigned
• Support upper-grade students with applications to selective high schools and enrichment programs, including New Jersey SEEDS, WIGHT Foundation, A Better Chance, and Kean and Rutgers Upward Bound
• Serve as Truancy Officer and monitor student attendance
• Collaborate with the Special Education Department, provide counseling services, and attend IEP meetings when required
• Adhere to the QCACS Code of Conduct while consistently demonstrating professionalism, ethics, and respect

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in School Counseling from an accredited institution
• Valid New Jersey School Counselor Certificate of Endorsement issued by the NJ Department of Education
• Experience working as a School Counselor at the high school level , with demonstrated knowledge of adolescent development, post-secondary planning, and academic advising
• Commitment to implementing a comprehensive, data-informed school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model
• Ability to serve as a student advocate while supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and post-secondary success

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience as a school counselor
• Experience working in an urban school setting and collaborating with families and community-based health and social service agencies
• Familiarity with college and career readiness programming, including graduation requirements, post-secondary planning, and student transitions
• Strong skills in problem-solving, communication, organization, planning, time management, record keeping, and interpersonal relations
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively in a fast-paced school environment

The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with high school students, families, faculty, administrators, and community stakeholders while upholding the mission, values, and professional standards of Queen City Academy Charter School.