Job Description

Gestalt Community Schools is a system of K-­-12 college-­-preparatory charter schools in targeted Tennessee communities. GCS schools provide strong academic outcomes for their scholars through initiatives including meaningful community involvement. GCS catalyzes community leadership to help revitalize the neighborhood as it operates its schools in that community. Instead of debating whether education impacts the community or vice versa, GCS believes that the most effective method to support scholar achievement is an integration of education and community (a true "gestalt").

The Guidance Counselor is responsible for utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration to promote scholar success, provide preventive services, and respond to identified scholar needs by developing, managing, delivering and assessing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career, and personal/social development for all scholars. As a Guidance Counselor, you will:

• Plan and implement, in conjunction with school and network academic leadership, the guidance curriculum for the assigned location;
• Adhere to and support all federal, state and school guidelines as it relates to school counseling and administration;
• Provide continuous reporting and updates to key stakeholders regarding the goals and effectiveness of the counseling program;
• Collect and analyze data to guide program direction and emphasis;
• Monitor scholar academic performance, behavior, and attendance and facilitate appropriate interventions;
• Understand, evaluate, and interpret academic performance data to ensure that all scholars, parents and staff are receiving the required attention and direction;
• Manage/Assist with the EIS Management/PowerSchool Management in collaboration with school and network leadership;
• Advocate on behalf of the scholar and/or his/her family. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect the well-being of scholars;
• Guide individuals and groups of scholars through the development of educational, personal, social, and career plans aligned to high school graduation and post-secondary success;
• Identify and counsel scholars at risk of dropping out and develop strategies to ensure continued engagement and on-time graduation;
• Develop and implement individual, small group, and school-wide intervention and prevention strategies to support scholar persistence and success;
• Facilitate and participate in the intervention team process (responsibility varies based on school);
• Counsel individuals and small groups of scholars toward social and emotional growth;
• Collaborate with faculty and administrators to develop credit recovery plans, alternative pathways, and differentiated supports for at-risk scholars;
• Develop and support transition programs for incoming scholars (e.g., 8th to 9th grade) to ensure successful adjustment to high school expectations;
• Consult with and train teachers, parents, and staff regarding scholar needs and effective intervention strategies;
• Refer scholars and families to appropriate special programs, specialists, and outside agencies;
• Facilitate outreach efforts and build partnerships with parents/guardians, community organizations, and mentoring programs to support scholar success;
• Connect scholars and families with community resources, post-secondary opportunities, and career readiness programs;
• Participate in, coordinate, and conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the counseling program and school;
• Assist with scholar recruitment and retention activities;
• Conduct a yearly audit to review the effectiveness of the counseling program;
• Provide reports as scheduled or requested;
• Other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to Gestalt’s mission. A proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own, in partnership with the School Principal, the responsibility for the development of effective relationships and engagement within the school.
• Must have a minimum Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in counseling with a minimum of 1 year of effective counseling experience preferred.
• Must demonstrate keen analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills. This role must be able to present to and influence all levels and act as a change agent. Must be able to develop and implement initiatives and programs with minimal supervision.
• Must be a self-starter with the experience and the ability to frame issues/opportunities for school leaders and senior management. A team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board, or other outside partners.
• Experience and/or knowledge of family resources in the Memphis community is strongly preferred.