4th-8th Grade School Counselor

Title: School CounselorLocation: CICS Longwood 1309 W. 95th Street Chicago, IL 60643Reports To: Principal/Assistant PrincipalSalary: Starting at $73,000, commensurate with experienceEmployee Type: Regular Full TimeStart Date: August 2026Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.Position OverviewThe School Counselor will serve as a vital team member of the school's educational leadership team, to provide comprehensive, developmental support within the academic, personal/social, arts and career domains to ensure that students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. The School Counselor will work with students, administrators, teachers, families, community organizations, and other stakeholders to promote student success and respond to identified student needs.The School Counselor will implement a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses college, career, and personal development for all students. In addition, the School Counselor will be responsible for advising and/or planning with students and families as it relates to college and career goals.School counselors are uniquely trained professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today's diverse student population. As such, the School Counselor will also team with the Student Support Team to proactively implement programs and services to help all students achieve success in school.ResponsibilitiesDevelopment and Management of a Comprehensive School Counseling ProgramDevelop and maintain a written plan for effective delivery of the school counseling program based on the Developmental Counseling Model for Illinois Schools, current school achievement plan, and current individual school data with a focus on arts integrationCommunicate goals of the comprehensive school counseling program to administrators, teachers, students, and familiesMaintain current and appropriate counseling/college/career/arts resources for students and familiesBe accountable for the implementation and management of the school counseling programUse data to develop comprehensive programs that meet student needsAssist teachers, families, and other stakeholders in interpreting and understanding student dataAdhere to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards of the school counseling professionDelivery of a Comprehensive School Counseling ProgramImplement the components of the comprehensive school-approved counseling program in coordination with AIMs CREATIVE framework and Be You expectationsIntegrate Distinctive Schools SEL curriculum, assessment and plan into whole class, individual and small group lessonsImplement developmentally appropriate and prevention-oriented activities to meet student needs and school goalsIndividual Student Planning* Develop individual college, career, arts, and personal goals and plans for caseload of students* Collaborate and assist students and families with high school, scholarship, college entrance, and financial aid applicationsPreventive and Responsive ServicesIn collaboration with the Student Support Team, provide counseling, in consult and collaboration, with families, teachers, administrators, and other educational/community resources to caseload students with identified concerns and needsImplement an effective referral and follow-up process for caseload students as neededMonitor caseload students academic performance, behavior, and attendance and facilitate appropriate interventionsAccurately and appropriately use assessment procedures for determining and structuring necessary individual and group counseling services for Tiers I, II, and IIIAccountability* Measure and analyze data results of the comprehensive school counseling program activities, and share results as appropriate with relevant stakeholders to help guide program direction and emphasisAdditional responsibilitiesHost family meetings to communicate college going processes, financial aid application, scholarship information, etc.Support the middle school transition to high school via retention and HS decision making strategiesDesign staff professional development in coordination with the Student Support Team focused on trauma-informed instruction, SEL, and restorative practicesOther duties as assignedRequirements (minimum)Education: Masters Degree in School CounselingQualificationsValid Professional Educator License or equivalent in state of employment (IL or MI)Valid School Counselors License or equivalentCandidate must be able to demonstrate the academic progress of students under their leadership and articulate the methods used to achieve those resultsTechnology demands:Proficient in cloud based software solutions - GoogleSuite* Travel to campuses and professional trainings as neededPhysical demands* Majority of work is performed in a general office environment. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Also requires participation and attendance at organization-sponsored events and meetings* Generally, the job requires 30% sitting, 50% walking, and 20% standingBenefits25+ paid holidays, upfront sick leave, and an accrual-based personal time bank12 weeks family paid leaveComprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)403b matchFully match up to 3%50% match up to 5%Professional development including tuition reimbursementGym and wellness discountsAnd moreDescription Disclaimer: Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.EEO: Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact