Title: Primary School Counselor
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Round Rock, TX
Start: 2024-2025
Join the Counseling TEAM at Meridian, an easy to work with school that values our Counselors!
We are a high performing primary school with low Counselor to student ratios.
INTERESTED?! Read on to learn more.
Founded in 2011, Meridian School is a public, tuition-free charter school open to all students living in Williamson County. As a charter school, we are a school of “choice,” offering an inquiry-based curriculum and continuum for the International Baccalaureate Program K-12. Our mission is to “provide an invigorating, educational environment that develops responsible citizens who can artfully navigate our complex world and enjoy a good life with others.” Meridian has been recognized by the US News & World Report and others as one of the best schools in Texas.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Meridian Counselors support the social emotional needs of students in a variety of ways. We adhere to the Texas Model Guidance and Counseling Program as set forth by the Texas Education Agency and both the American Counseling Association and American School Counseling Association Standards and Code of Ethics. A brief description of tasks associated within the 4 main components of the program follows:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Guidance- Develop a curriculum that facilitates implementation of proactive lessons that prepare our students for upcoming transitions, and for optimum social and emotional growth. Topics may include communication/conflict resolution, identifying & managing feelings, peer relationship skills, understanding self & others, perspective taking, assertiveness, inclusiveness & tolerance, drug & alcohol awareness/prevention, and bullying & cyber safety.
Individual Planning- Working directly one on one with struggling students on social skills, self-esteem, self advocacy, values identification, problem solving, communication strategies, stress management, and to improve focus & academic motivation.
Responsive Services- Provide community resource information to parents and students. Respond to crisis situations including suicidal ideation, self harm, child abuse, grief and loss, panic attacks, and other mental health concerns that require immediate attention. We also help students navigate conflicts through peer mediations when there is not an imbalance of power and both parties are willing. Coordinate with campus behavioral specialists and provide short term individual counseling support for students with behavioral issues impacting classroom and common area settings. Group counseling is available to meet different ongoing student needs such as grief, family changes, social skills/peer friendships, new students transitioning to Meridian and other life stressors. (Groups consist of 3-6 students and are psychoeducational). Referrals are given for students needing more intensive therapeutic intervention.
System Support- Support teachers in mandated reporter obligations (CPS reports), assist with professional development related to mental health/social emotional needs of kids, communicate opportunities and resources to parents and students, coordinate/partner with agencies and universities (such as GENAustin, Underage Drinking Prevention, Speaker Series ), assist parents/teachers with release of information requests (example ADHD scales). Work collaboratively with campus staff, parents, and stakeholders to meet the unique needs of students.
For further information on the duties of counselors as aligned with Texas Education Code requirements please see the most recent Texas Model of Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.
https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/Pub_2018_Texas-Model_5th-Edition.pdf
QUALIFICATIONS
● Valid Texas School Counselor Certificate
*Applicants will be considered that are currently in a state-approved school counselor preparation program
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position will operate in a professional, non-smoking office environment, which at times can be a busy with moderate noise and many unscheduled interruptions. This role will routinely use standard office equipment such as computers and peripherals, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets.
OUR BENEFITS
Meridian School offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. We also offer a comprehensive package of benefit options, including:
● Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
● Basic Life & Accident Insurance
● Short- & Long-term Disability
● Participation in the Texas Teachers Retirement System
● 403b Investment Plans
● Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account Options
● Generous Time Off Benefits including Holidays and PTO
● A culture of continuous learning with opportunities for professional development
Due to the nature of this position and our business, fingerprinting and background checks will be conducted as a condition of employment.
Reasonable accommodations may be provided during the hiring and selection process to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Meridian School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other legally-protected characteristic.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Grade levels:
- 1st grade
- 2nd grade
- 3rd grade
- 4th grade
- 5th grade
- Kindergarten
Experience:
- school counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
License/Certification:
- School Counseling Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person