Manager, Counseling Services

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Michigan.

📋 Description

• Based in Michigan, the Manager of Counseling will collaborate with the school’s leadership team to support students, ensuring that every child successfully fulfills his/her instructional program.

• The Manager of Counseling will guide staff and assist students and parents in understanding and fulfilling graduation requirements, course selection, scheduling, post-secondary planning, and crisis intervention.

• Ensure the academic success of individual students by leveraging all levels of academic support available and maintaining effective communication with parents to provide program information and address individual student needs;

• Offer specific assistance to families requiring additional support to prevent unnecessary withdrawals and promote high levels of participation;

• Address any student issues escalated by parents and teachers;

• Create, plan, and implement counseling programs for students and families related to academic and career planning and graduation;

• Oversee and maintain the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) for each student;

• Stay informed about all high school graduation requirements, including special requirements such as community service, and communicate this information to the Graduation Coach/College and Career Readiness Specialist and the principal;

• Organize and supervise the secondary school course selection process according to specific state credit and graduation requirements, as well as student needs and interests. A key part of this process involves assisting students and parents in developing a Four-Year Plan to meet graduation requirements;

• Counsel students facing issues related to dropping courses and modifying schedules;

• Supervise the review of student transcripts and the entry of credits into the online transcript system;

• Develop and implement procedures to ensure transcripts are accurate and current;

• Oversee efforts to secure complete and accurate records for GLLA students;

• Generate and authorize official transcripts for families upon request;

• Guide families through the school withdrawal process, assisting with data collection regarding withdrawals;

• Create, plan, and implement counseling programs for students and families addressing interpersonal adjustment issues;

• Design and implement crisis prevention and management plans for the school, providing leadership to the Crisis Management Team;

• Report and refer critical incidents that may jeopardize student well-being as required by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards;

• Lead school teams in identifying school and community resources, maintaining an updated list of those resources for school teams and families;

• Develop and implement processes to regularly and frequently review the status of each secondary school student concerning attendance, participation, and performance;

• Ensure that the counseling staff is prepared to assist teachers when students enroll mid-semester, ensuring teachers receive guidance on integrating students into their coursework, and that previous grades, credits, and evaluations are managed properly;

• Research, develop, and implement special programs such as Advanced Placement support, SAT and ACT Preparation, and college entrance preparation.

• Design and implement professional development activities for teachers and school staff members;

• Design and coordinate high school graduation ceremonies;

• Coordinate a team of staff to help identify students who are at risk or in crisis;

• Provide state testing support including logistics for scheduling, tracking participation, and contracting for testing facilities;

• Perform all other assigned duties.

⛳️ Requirements

• Michigan residency preferred

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university required

• Must meet Michigan Department of Education School Counselor requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of counseling experience in a secondary school setting preferred

• Michigan School Administration Certification

• Strong leadership qualities with a commitment to goal-directed management and accountability

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Understanding of Professional Learning Communities

• Customer-focused approach

• Flexible, with the ability to transition quickly between tasks

• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

• Team player

• Technologically proficient, particularly with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite

• Must be able to utilize a personal electronic device and have an email address for two-step authentication.

🏝️ Benefits

• Travel and attendance at in-person events, including State Testing, are required throughout the school year as determined by the school.

• This may require overnight travel.

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