Guidance Counselor

Position(s): K-5Guidance Counselor Reports To: Clinical SupervisorStatus: Full TimeWorks Schedule: Monday - FridaysFLSA Status: ExemptJoin our Team!!We are seeking a dedicated K-5 Social Worker/Guidance Counselor. The K-5 Guidance Counseloris student-centered, passionate about young learners and eager to develop relationships guided by empathy, curiosity, and optimism. They are an integral figure in the daily life of the scholars and are dedicated to the social and emotional development of all students. To be successful as a Guidance Counselor at Merrick, the ideal candidate must be a problem solver who is creative and builds relationships to reach goals; a coachable clinician with a desire to grow as a professional; and a team member with exceptional communication, organization, and critical thinking skills. The top candidate will have excellent listening and observational skills, as well as an empathetic mindset. OverviewMerrick Academy is one of the first charter schools to open in New York City and the first to open (2000) in Queens. With a rich history and deep roots in the local community, Merrick Academy is an all-inclusive learning community serving over 500 students and families. Merrick Academy provides students with innovative avenues to connect, learn, and discover their greatness. Through our rigorous STEM-based program, we work toward the common purpose of providing an excellent education for all students, ensuring our students are college and career ready.School Wide SupportsSupports Kindergarten-5th grade families with the middle school application process.Accurately and appropriately use assessment procedures for determining and structuring whole class, individual and group counseling services Participates as a member of student support team (SST) to effectively implement the schools behavioral system that uses school wide best academic and behavioral practices, including restorative discipline. Assist students in understanding and seeking solutions to social, emotional, or academic problems and issues. Establishes and maintains connections with outside providers and manages individual crisis intervention.Develops support strategies that speak to Merrick's vision and equity agenda for addressing the needs of all learners with a clear articulation for students with special needs, ELLs and accelerated learners.Uses evidence-based practices, research, and student needs to inform decisions and programming that support the social-emotional, health, and wellness of students.Collaborates with other members of the SST in the coordination, compliance, and implementation of services from various school-based staff and external providers.Assists teachers, families, and other stakeholders in maintaining the school's positive behavior support climate. Consult and collaborate effectively with families, teachers, administrators, and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs. Implements developmentally appropriate, prevention-oriented group activities and restorative discipline practices to meet student needs and school goals. Assist in the development and monitoring of 504 Plans, Positive Behavior Support Plans, and Individual Education Programs for students with exceptional needs. Reporting, Monitoring, and ComplianceReport possible cases of neglect or abuse and refer students and parents to resources outside the school for additional support.Develops/maintains a written plan for effective delivery of the school counseling program based on current individual school data and communicates goals to all stakeholders Adheres to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession. Collects and analyzes data to guide program direction and emphasis. Measures results of the school counseling program activities and shares results as appropriate. Monitors student academic performance, behavior, and attendance and assists with appropriate interventions. Establish, maintain, and monitor the maintenance of a variety of files and records pertaining to student counseling, guidance, and related matters. DeliverablesProvides guidance and support to parents around child development and issues related to mental healthDevelop a tool to provide appropriate information to staff related to the comprehensive school counseling program. Organize parent workshops to foster communication and equip parents with skills to support their children's growth. Responsibilities include: Identifying Key Topics - Academic success strategies, mental health awareness, college and career readiness, social-emotional learning, etc. Planning & Coordination - Scheduling workshops, securing guest speakers, and promoting events. Facilitating Sessions - Leading discussions, providing resources, and addressing parent concerns. Evaluating Effectiveness - Collecting feedback and making improvements based on parent input.Building strong community connections enhances student resources and opportunities. Responsibilities include: Establishing Relationships and partnering with local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations to support student success. Coordinating Mentorship & Internship Programs - Connecting students with professionals for career exploration. Promoting Collaboration - Encouraging community involvement in school initiatives and events.Create a well-designed summer enrichment program keeps students engaged during the break and prevents learning loss. Responsibilities include: Program Development - Designing activities that promote academic, social, and emotional growth. Curriculum Planning - Offering STEM, arts, college prep, leadership development, and recreational activities. Recruiting & Training Staff - Ensuring qualified instructors and volunteers lead engaging sessions.Develop and monitor an SEL program in all aspects of students' lives at school and support students via participation in classroom teaching, small group, and one-on-one meetings as needed.Provide professional development for staff regarding mandated reporting, crisis management, and support, among other workshops.Develops a system to identify students who may need targeted or intensive services, and coordinates with other members of the student support team.QualificationsMaster's in School Guidance Counseling; School counseling certification (RequiredAt least 5 years of experience as a School CounselorFive or more years of experience in an elementary school settingCommitment to DEIB/Culturally Responsive PracticeExperience and or knowledge of SEL programs such as Responsive Classroom/Second Step/Ruler etc.Strong analytical skills Strong computer skills Eagerness to collaborate with peers and strong teamwork skillsGrowth mindset and an ability to use feedback to improve teaching practicesAbility to present data in multiple formats (charts, reports, comparisons, trend analysis, etc.)Commitment and passion for working with students.CompensationSalary for this position is very competitive and commensurate with experience. Merrick offers a competitive benefits package and extensive professional development opportunities. 

Created: 2025-03-08