Guidance Counselor at RCSA Middle High – Jacksonville, Florida

Reports To: Principal (and works collaboratively with the Assistant Principal, ESE Coordinator, and Dean of Students)

Position Type: Salary / Exempt, 10 or 12-Month Position

Position Summary

The Guidance Counselor provides a comprehensive, data-informed school counseling program designed to support academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and college and career readiness for all students. This position promotes a positive school climate, assists students in overcoming barriers to success, and ensures compliance with state, federal, and charter school requirements.

The Guidance Counselor serves as a key member of the student services team—supporting individual and group counseling, academic planning, standardized testing coordination, behavioral interventions, and student records management—while fostering collaboration among families, teachers, administrators, and community agencies to promote student well-being and success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Academic and Career Counseling

• Provide academic guidance to students regarding course selection, credit tracking, graduation requirements, and postsecondary planning.
• Assist students in developing individual academic and career goals consistent with their strengths, interests, and aspirations.
• Coordinate dual enrollment, online learning (FLVS), summer school, and credit recovery programs.
• Monitor student progress toward promotion and graduation, intervening when academic deficiencies arise.
• Support student transitions (elementary to middle, middle to high, and high school to college or career).

Social-Emotional and Behavioral Support

• Provide individual and group counseling addressing academic, behavioral, and personal/social issues.
• Collaborate with the ESE Teacher/Coordinator and MTSS team to design and implement intervention plans.
• Participate in SST, IEP, 504, and MTSS meetings to support student needs and compliance.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow ethical standards of school counseling in accordance with ASCA and Florida DOE guidelines.
• Identify and refer students and families to appropriate community, counseling, or social service resources.

Testing and Data Management

• Analyze and disaggregate testing and performance data to identify trends, support academic improvement, and guide instructional planning.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling activities, student progress, and required reports.

Family and Staff Collaboration

• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, attendance, and behavior.
• Conduct parent meetings, conferences, and school tours for new or prospective families.
• Serve as liaison between teachers, parents, and administrators to support student success.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional learning sessions, and school events as required.

Program Administration and School Support

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling plan aligned with school goals.
• Assist the Principal and Assistant Principal with scheduling, enrollment, and registration processes.
• Support implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and promote a positive school culture.
• Supervise hallways, lunchrooms, and dismissal areas as assigned.
• Serve as testing facilitator, mentor, or substitute when needed to ensure continuity of operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in School Counseling, Guidance, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Valid Florida Department of Education Certification in School Counseling (or eligibility to obtain).
• Successful completion of Level II background screening per Florida law.
• Knowledge of Florida graduation requirements, testing programs, and academic planning tools.
• Familiarity with IDEA, Section 504, and MTSS frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in school counseling or a related educational setting.
• Experience in a Florida public or charter school environment.
• Bilingual fluency.
• Strong understanding of social-emotional learning and restorative practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with students, staff, and families.
• Ability to analyze academic data to inform decisions and interventions.
• Proficiency with student information systems (e.g., Focus, FLDOE platforms) and Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of counseling principles, confidentiality, and ethical practices.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to equity, student-centered learning, and continuous improvement.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

Work primarily performed in classrooms, offices, and testing environments. Regular interaction with students, families, and staff. Occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds; extended periods of sitting, standing, or walking. Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to the Principal. Collaborates with Assistant Principals, ESE staff, and Deans to ensure student success