Middle School Counselor

The Middle School Counselor Position

The primary purpose of the school counseling program is the support of the instructional and academic goals of Capital Village students. The School Counselor is responsible for supporting Capital Village students in the areas of individual academic achievement, high school transition, career and college awareness and personal development. The Counselor also serves as a consultant to educational and community partners, in order to bring students relevant exposure to high schools, colleges, and career representatives. 

Student Course Planning & Scheduling

At Capital Village, each student’s schedule is individualized to meet their academic short and long-term goals.  The School Counselor is an integral part of this effort. 

• Oversees the development of Individual Learning Plans for each student, including high school, college and career goals
• Works alongside the Associate Head of School in the course registration and scheduling process; including using data to support student planning, using Individual Learning Plans to support master scheduling process, and ensuring proper and accurate student schedules
• Advertises course offerings to students and supports/leads the scheduling process
• Completes the course selection process, including updating and editing student course selections

High School Transition

• Prepares students and families for the transition to high school, including awareness of high school options, navigating the high school application process, and preparing for the transition
• Connect with high school admissions staff to provide information, events and support for the high school admissions process
• Organize high school fairs and connect students to high school informational sessions and events

College & Career Awareness

• Plans and coordinates programs such as career and college fairs, college field trips, college awareness activities and community meetings about goal-setting, college/career
• Connect with college admissions staff to share middle-school programming with students and families
• Connect with youth and community partners to share opportunities to students such as National Junior Honor Society, leadership development events, and community service opportunities

Student Support 

• As a lead of the Student Support team, collaborates with school leadership  in order to advocate for students' needs and provide guidance for school staff
• Liason for MKV and CFSA
• Support in monitoring attendance, meeting attendance goals and reducing truancy by scheduling attendance meetings, facilitating attendance incentive, etc.
• Other school priorities as assigned.

Abilities, Knowledge, and Mindset You Bring to Capital Village:

• Master’s Degree or Graduate Certificate in School Counseling, Social Work or a related social science/human services field
• Meet DC school counselor licensure standards (see details here) or in pursuit of them
• At least three years of work experience with diverse youth, preferably at the middle school level
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of best practices in culturally-competent school counseling, data analysis, social-emotional learning, and restorative justice practices
• A track record of success in increasing the achievement of students
• Entrepreneurial and continuous improvement mindset, with the drive, passion to innovate, and tolerance of ambiguity, needed for a school startup environment
• Belief in creating an inclusive, engaging and supportive environment for staff, families, and students and a deep commitment to equity and anti-bias/anti-racist education

Standout Candidates May Also Bring:

• General knowledge of or experience in EL Education and personalized learning
• Leadership experience that includes coaching and/or supervising a team
• Speak more than one language (at minimum English/Spanish bilingual)