The mission of Hope Academy of Northwest Arkansas is to provide students with a safe, positive trauma-centered academic environment that will nurture their love for learning and confidence in life.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Hope Academy is a unique elementary charter school that is centered around the academic, social, and behavioral needs of children who have had adverse childhood experiences. Our approach provides ample opportunities for children and families to heal while engaged in our research-driven academic process. At Hope Academy, we believe every child can thrive regardless of trauma-induced behaviors, social skill deficits, or academic struggles. Our model features rigorous grade-level academic content provided in small class sizes with very low student to teacher ratios, extensive behavioral and emotional supports, and a staff fully trained to meet the needs of students whose experiences may impact their ability to be successful in a traditional school setting.

THE POSITION:

Reporting to the Principal, the School Counselor is responsible for providing classroom support for trauma-informed curriculum activities in a manner that promotes the educational development of each student.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, advocate and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students by designing and delivering school counseling programs that improve student outcomes.
• Connecting school counseling programs to Hope Academy’s academic mission and school improvement plan.
• Provide individual student academic planning and goal setting.
• Provide short-term counseling to students and referrals for long-term support.
• Collaborate with families/teachers/administrators/community for student success.
• Data analysis to identify student issues, needs and challenges.
• Acting as a systems change agent to improve equity and access, achievement and opportunities for all students.
• Design and deliver classroom and group action plans focused on social-emotional learning objectives.
• Ensure equitable academic, career and social/emotional development opportunities for all students.
• Design and deliver plans for students transitioning from Hope Academy to another school, program, etc.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Masters degree in school counseling and guidance
• Certification/License: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Strong organizational, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Technical skills preferred
  • An ability to create interactive lessons utilizing smart board features (preferred)
  • An ability to incorporate a broad spectrum of interactive activities specifically aimed at social/emotional skill development and academic success
  • An ability to adapt lessons based on the social-emotional growth and development of students
• High degree of flexibility and an ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starting capabilities with willingness to think outside the box for meaningful and engaging lessons and interventions
• Supportive team member who collaborates well with others
  • Willingness to help other team members as needed
  • Seek out opportunities to grow professionally
  • Provide therapeutic support to coworkers as needed

Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands

The demands described are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Physical stamina and agility required to care for active children.
• As required, provide supervision for lunch duty, recesses, and field trips, etc.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Must pass all criminal history and child maltreatment background checks.
• Must submit to pre-employment drug screens as well as random drug screens when directed.
• Attend and participate in mandatory training, staff meetings, and all other events, as required.
• Maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely manner per Hope Academy procedures.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it. Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter/Hope Academy reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs. Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter/Hope Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.