School Counselor - Inspire Connections Academy

Description

School Summary: Inspire Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public charter school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Idaho. Inspire Connections Academy is authorized under state law by the Idaho Charter School Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors. It is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement and has met Cognia's criteria for educational quality. Inspire Connections Academy participates in the PERSI retirement system.

Position Summary and Responsibilities:

Working from their home office in Idaho, the School Counselor will virtually assist students in grades 6-12 and parents/learning coaches with course selection and scheduling. The school counselor will be the first point of contact for student concerns spanning multiple subject areas and non-academic issues. The school counselor will become an expert on course and credit requirements and counseling processes for grades 6-12 students.

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

• Develop and maintain a plan for effective delivery of the comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model;

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

• Keep abreast of all high school graduation requirements and communicate this information to the necessary stakeholders;

• Assist students and parents with the secondary school course selection process according to specific state credit and graduation requirements, 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 forward student records when appropriate;

• Advocate for all students by maintaining current knowledge of equity and diversity issues and promoting equal educational opportunities for all students;

• 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 and implement a follow-up process;

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

• Coordinate a team of 6-12 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;

• 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 to 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;

• When students enroll mid-semester, assist teachers in integrating them into coursework and handling previous grades, credits, and evaluations.

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

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

• Educate stakeholders on Advanced Opportunities funding and assist students and their families in creating graduation plans to maximize college credit earning potential; assist students in selecting and registering for college classes;

• Serve as a site coordinator for Idaho Digital Learning Academy as needed;

• 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

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

• Assume teaching and grading duties as necessary;

• Assist in coordinating high school graduation ceremonies and

• all other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• This position is for the 2026-27 school year, starting ASAP

• Idaho State Pupil Personnel Certificate endorsed as a school counselor or social worker.

• Applicants must reside in Idaho.

• Strong technology skills, particularly with Google Workspace, Zoom, and Windows-based operating systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.

• Ability to analyze data, develop and implement intervention plans, and track student progress.

• High degree of flexibility, strong collaboration skills, ability to work independently and to manage responsibilities in a remote, home-based setting.

• Willingness to travel occasionally for marketing events, field trips, and state testing (may include overnight travel).

• Ability to work occasional evening hours to support families as needed.

• Private workspace free from distraction, high-speed internet, and appropriate childcare arrangements for any dependent children during scheduled work hours (8-4 MST).

• Two-step authentication is required to access all systems and may require the use of a personal device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.