Job Title:                        LAUNCH- Online Guidance Counselor

Department:                  Innovation and Information- LAUNCH

Pay Grade:                     Teacher's Salary Schedule including 15 Additional Days and $550 Supplement. This position is also                                         required to work one session of EXPLORE 

FLSA Status:                  Exempt

Reports to:                     Director, Digital Learning

GENERAL PURPOSE

The job of Launch Online Guidance Counselor was established for the purpose/s of providing academic and mental health support to both internal and external students participating in virtual courses through Launch.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Analyzes student transcripts for the purpose of ensuring compliance with graduation requirements.
• Collaborate with Launch member districts to ensure accurate enrollment, scheduling and grade reporting of virtual students. 
• Assists students in the transition from high school to college and career for the purpose of ensuring continuity of services. 
• Assists students with developing their Personal Plans of Study for the purpose of supporting them in pursuing their high school and post high school goals. 
• Assists students with applications (e.g. scholarships, college, financial aid, ) for the purpose of ensuring completion of application processes within designated time frames. 
• Coordinates with teachers, parents, students and in-district or community agencies for the purpose of providing/receiving requested information and/or making recommendations towards meeting the developmental needs of students.
• Counsels students, parents, and guardians and teachers for the purpose of enhancing student success and meeting the immediate needs of students.
• Monitors student progress for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success. 
• Reports health and safety issues to administrative personnel and/or appropriate agencies (e.g. fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, ) for the purpose of maintaining students personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Researches program eligibility requirements (e.g. financial aid, college eligibility, ) for the purpose of providing up-to-date, accurate counsel to students. 
• Monitor student participation in virtual courses to ensure accurate state reporting. 
• Responds to a wide variety of inquiries from students, parents, and staff for the purpose of resolving problems, providing information and/or referring to appropriate personnel. 
• Facilitate mentorship for online-only students participating in Launch courses full time. 
• Conduct home visits as needed to ensure online student well-being and provide mental health support. 
• Responds to a wide variety of inquiries from students, parents, and staff for the purpose of resolving problems, providing information and/or referring to appropriate
• Collaborate with the Health Services department to ensure accuracy of immunization and health records across multiple districts.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in job-related area, required.

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

• Missouri Counselor Teaching Certification 7-12, required.
• Ability to gain and maintain "Highly Qualified" status as defined by Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: pertinent laws, codes, policies, and/or regulations; personnel processes; standard business practices; teaching strategies; working with families; and stages of child development.
• Knowledge of algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Skill to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job, including: operating standard office equipment including utilizing pertinent software applications; planning and managing projects and programs; overseeing program financial activities; developing effective working relationships; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and administering personnel policies and procedures; and coordinating with other agencies.
• Ability to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, analyze and/or classify data; to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Department and programs.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals under a wide variety of circumstances.
• Ability to analyze issues, data, create action plans and ensure that success of Department and District strategic objectives.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to apply critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality; set priorities; meet deadlines and schedules; work with detailed information; and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to set high expectations for self and others; set and monitor progress toward goals; and utilize and offer effective feedback to continuously improve.
• Ability to work as part of a team; adapt to changing priorities; and apply logical processes and analytical skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 5% walking, and 75% standing.  This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
• Work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.
• Must possess the physical ability to work primarily with fingers, perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
• Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, grasping, hearing, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, visual acuity and walking.