K8 School Counselor - Pearson Online Academy

Company Summary:

Pearson’s Online & Blended Learning K-12 group provides high-quality, highly accountable online education solutions to schools, school districts and students in grades K-12. It serves families and schools with a variety of digital learning and online school solutions including Connections Academy, Pearson Online Academy, and Pearson Connexus. In 2017, it will deliver online learning to over 400,000 students in the U.S. and 48 countries. The group is based in Columbia, Maryland and has been named a “Top Workplace” by the Baltimore Sun for three consecutive years and a “Best Place to Work” by Baltimore magazine. Recognized for its outstanding curriculum, high-quality teachers and leadership, Pearson Online & Blended Learning is committed to expanding quality education through technology, and helping students achieve both academic and personal success.

Pearson Online Academy is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools (MSA). Pearson Online Academy is also accredited by the following accrediting divisions of Cognia: the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI).

Pearson Online Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Position Summary:

This position is working with Pearson Online Academy. From your home office, our School Counselor will “virtually” integrate state-of-the-art instructional tools and curriculum to engage and instruct while individualizing lesson plans and instruction to each student’s needs. Through the use of the telephone, Internet and various curriculum tools, they will consult regularly with learning coaches and students to ensure that each child successfully completes their instructional program.  

The K8 School Counselor will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Advise students and families related to academics, career planning, well-being, and graduation;
• Keep abreast of all grade promotion requirements;
• Assist students and parents with the secondary school course selection process according to graduation requirements and 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;
• Conduct Welcome Calls for students and maintain regular progress monitoring contacts;
• Uses a variety of platforms to communicate with families including telephone, email, and LiveLessons.
• Synchronously connect with students regularly for individual, small group, and large group support;
• Proactively monitor student pace, progress, and wellness using data and dashboard information to call and support students;
• Assist students and parents with the course selection process according to student needs, academic goals, and interests;
• 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;
• Follow procedures to ensure that Pearson Online Academy transcripts are accurate and up-to-date;
• Work with the administrative assistant to obtain school records from the student’s previous school (where applicable) and forwarding student records when appropriate;
• Implement programs for students and families related to interpersonal adjustment issues, college, career, and character education;
• Work with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources;
• Participate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans for the school; 
• Coordinate the Student Support Team (SST) for their caseload; develop individual plans and ongoing monitoring of students;
• Manage the escalation of SST.
• Monitor and develop plans for students off grade level;
• Ensure the academic success of individual students by utilizing all levels of academic support available and by maintaining a high level of communication with parents to deliver program information and address individual student needs through the Student Support Team process;
• Support families through the school withdrawal process;
• Report and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as obligated by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards. Stay abreast of all regulations relating to incident reporting and documentation;
• Collaborate with and support teachers and staff to ensure student safety and support during crisis situations;
• Assist teachers when students enroll mid-semester, making sure that teachers receive guidance on integrating the students into their coursework, and ensuring that previous grades, credits, and evaluations are handled appropriately;
• Help students to research and understand their educational options;
• Support professional development activities for teachers and school staff members;
• Assume teaching and grading duties as needed;
• Coordinate graduation and promotion ceremonies; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Certification in school counseling from any state preferred; or teaching certification required.
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office and Google Suite products)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Customer focused approach
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• High degree of flexibility
• Team player with demonstrated leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment
• Ability to work remotely
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for 2-step authentication

Note: The anticipated starting salary for Colorado-based individuals expressing interest in this position begins at $36,000 per year. Benefits available to eligible employees can be seen at https://www.hrc-connectionsacademy.com/prospective-employee-benefits-page.html.