School Counselor

Job Description: School Counselor (ERMHS Provider) Alternatives in Action is a non-profit organization that works with youth who have leadership potential and prepares them for college, career AND community.
AIA provides a holistic approach to education and youth development that includes college and career readiness activities, parent involvement programs as well as community impact projects, enrichment groups, and educational supports at each of our sites.
Our staff and student population is diverse and committed to quality collaborative work and community-building.
In 2001, Alternatives in Action opened the first youth-designed charter high school in the country, Alternatives in Action High School (AIAHS), formerly the Bay Area School of Enterprise.
Our high school focuses on supporting youth who have been unsuccessful in traditional learning environments and are looking for a small, relationship-based alternative.
Serving 180 youth, AIAHS supports youth to be college, career and community ready through project-based learning and youth-adult partnerships.
We believe that all youth are wise, resourceful, and capable of making positive changes in their own lives and in the community.
Our teaching staff are called “coaches” to reinforce the roles adults play in facilitating youth’s learning and development.
We ask that teachers hold a frame of restorative justice in our classrooms and beyond.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD: Possess or is eligible for a license in Clinical Work Have at least 2 years of work experience in school and community-based settings Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment with passionate and committed colleagues and diverse youth and communities Be Spanish speaking and committed to providing culturally sensitive services Provide services with a focus on trauma informed approaches Be a collaborative professional with an assets-based approach to working with youth, families and communities Possess a deep knowledge of case management strategies, crisis intervention approaches, and experience in clinically-based support services Have experience with designing and facilitating support groups for youth Be familiar with local community resources/services (which may include health, mental health, substance abuse, vocation, housing, etc.
) Be committed to co-creating a healthy school environment using an asset-based approach and trauma- informed care Be an innovative educator who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves in a non-traditional setting and facilitate both academic and real-world skill-building Be comfortable with managing a group with diverse learning needs, from high academic performers to youth with academic gaps and/or special needs Be a passionate advocate for urban youth using a social justice framework Be a collaborative leader who understands and enjoys the challenges and opportunities with small schools DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provide therapeutic case management services including, but not limited to: referral, intake, eligibility determination, program planning, monitoring, assessment, and evaluation of youth/family needs Develop collaborative relationships with school and community partner organizations, school staff, youth and families Coordinate with other school staff support (school social worker, restorative justice provider) to provide coordinated services to students Maintain and ensure timely submission of records related to client care in accordance to standards specified by funding source and Administrative Offices (if applicable) Provide crisis intervention and/or case management services as needed Key member of school-based COST meetings; represent program in other school and community based meetings as needed to coordinate services; Provide short term solution focused interventions to youth and families Participate in internal and/or external trainings as required Provides group services: subject, frequency, and number of students to be determined with a minimum of one 8-12 week group per semester (dependent on case load).
Perform all other duties as necessary as directed by the supervisor Develops supportive, positive relationships with students.
Supports overall program quality and school improvement as part of the AIAHS team.
Take a leadership role in the school – be a proactive problem-solver to support overall program quality.
Work with students to develop individual learning plans that will guide their education towards meeting the graduation requirements, and to ensure that they are making progress towards these goals.
Participates in staff meetings, parent meetings, and community events as part of the staff team.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATIONAL LEVEL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Social Work/Psychology/Counseling degree.
Must be license eligible (license preferred) with 2+ years case management/social work related experience STRONGLY PREFERRED: Spanish-speaking (supplemental compensation provided) Knowledgeable in case management principles, procedures and practices Knowledgeable in crisis intervention principles and practices Demonstrated computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office suite (Word & Excel); familiar with data management systems for direct service work Ability to present ideas effectively, in both oral and/or written form Experience in case management documentation and preparing reports Demonstrated experience of effectively working with urban youth and families in crisis Demonstrated ability to develop programs, partnerships and broker resources for youth and families OTHER REQUIREMENTS Strong commitment to the philosophy, goals, and mission of AIA and to providing community and school based culturally relevant and client centered clinically-based case management services Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively; function independently and as part of a team; and interact professionally with a diverse, multicultural, and interdisciplinary staff of all levels Knowledge of crisis intervention; strong work ethic; demonstrated flexibility; superior time management and boundary-holding skills Strong advocacy skills for youth and families as well as for self Commitment to systems change, equity, and justice and an holistic view of young people, families, and communities Able to obtain clearance through Criminal History Background Check and Health Screening Current California BBS ASW Registration Number (if applicable) Position requires a valid California driver's license, adequate liability insurance and reliable transportation Classification: Part-time to Full Time Compensation: Competitive, depending on qualifications Schedule: 0.
5 FTE – 1.
0 FTE Position Title: School Counselor Benefits: Full Time 100% Premium Medical/Dental, 403(B) Retirement plan Generous Holiday Calendar Sick/Personal Time Off Part Time (20+ hours/week) 403(B) Retirement plan Sick/Personal Time Off For more information about Alternatives in Action, please visit our website www.
alternativesinaction.
org To apply please submit the following documentation with the position title in the subject line by email to: hr@alternativesinaction.
org attention Human Resources.
1.
Resume 2.
Cover letter 3.
Copy of credential(s) Thank you for applying.
Due to the volume of candidates, we will be unable to contact each candidate individually.
If you are being considered for the position, you will be contacted.
We are unable to accept phone calls or walk-ins.
Alternatives in Action is an equal opportunity employer.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: ALTERNATIVES IN ACTION DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE IN ANY PROGRAM, ACTIVITY OR IN EMPLOYMENT ON THE BASIS OF AGE, CREED, SEX, RACE, ETHNIC BACKGROUND, MARITAL OR VETERAN STATUS, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR RELIGION.