School Counselor

 Join our Team: VWC School Counselor

About The Village Wellness Center (VWC) and  It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) :
VWC and ITAV’s partnership is the beacon for serving, educating, and loving Black children and families. Together, we provide a comprehensive, culturally responsive social justice education, life-empowering social services, and a transformative impact. At VWC and ITAV, learning is fun and transformative, services are intentional, teaching is innovative, and growth, along with knowledge, is not bound by an

Role:

The School Counselor at the Village Wellness Center (VWC) provides a comprehensive, developmental counseling program to support the academic, social, and emotional development of It Takes A Village Leadership Academy (ITAV LA) students in grades K–8. This role promotes student success, provides preventative services, and responds to identified student needs through direct counseling, consultation, and collaboration with educators, families, and community partners.

The School Counselor reports directly to the Clinical Director of VWC while maintaining a close, collaborative working relationship with the school’s Principal and administrative team to ensure counseling services are aligned with school priorities and student needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct Counseling & Student Support:

• Provide individual and group counseling for students addressing academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

• Develop and implement short-term, solution-focused counseling interventions.

• Provide crisis intervention, risk assessments, and follow-up support for students in crisis.

• Deliver classroom guidance lessons on academic skills, personal/social development, and career awareness.

Assessment & Student Planning:

• Utilize a variety of assessment tools (e.g., IM+CANs, social-emotional learning surveys, behavioral screeners) to guide student planning and interventions.

• Support the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans by providing relevant input and ensuring the timely submission of required documentation for student services.

• Participate in Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) planning and coordinate interventions for students at all tiers.

Collaboration & Consultation:

• Serve as a consultant to teachers, parents, and administrators on student needs and effective strategies to support learning and well-being.

• Collaborate with the school’s leadership team and outside service providers to ensure comprehensive support for students.

• Advise administration on trends or emerging issues affecting student performance and well-being.

Prevention & Schoolwide Programs:

• Design and deliver preventative programs on topics such as conflict resolution, bullying prevention, mental health awareness, and goal setting.

• Coordinate events, initiatives, and campaigns that promote a positive school climate and student engagement.

• Assist in the development of curriculum components that support social-emotional learning (SEL) and college/career readiness.

Family & Community Engagement:

• Engage parents/guardians to strengthen the home-school connection.

• Link families with community resources, including mental health, housing, financial assistance, and other social services.

• Provide workshops or informational sessions for families on relevant topics (e.g., parenting skills, student mental health).

Compliance & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and confidential case records, service logs, and reports in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines.

• Adhere to professional ethics, confidentiality requirements, and mandated reporting laws.

Other Duties:

• Supervise and mentor student interns, providing guidance, feedback, and opportunities for professional growth in alignment with university partnership requirements.

• Participate in professional development and continuing education to maintain licensure and stay current on best practices.

• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned by the VWC Director, Clinical Supervisor, and School Principal.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Step into a pivotal role within our organization, where you'll serve as a cornerstone in the support system for hundreds of families.

• Growth: Join a forward-thinking organization committed to innovation and expansion, offering abundant opportunities for professional development and career advancement as a Case Manager.

• Community: Work alongside a dedicated team of educators and staff who share your passion for making a positive impact in the lives of students and their families.

• Innovation: Contribute to the development and implementation of cutting-edge strategies and programs that integrate social justice, community engagement, and academic excellence into our model of family support.

Location:  ITAV LA Campuses (Chicago, IL)

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $65,000 - $73,000

Required Education and Experience

Educations & Licensure:

• Master’s degree in Counseling from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
  Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) required; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) preferred.

• Professional Educator License (PEL) in School Service Personnel, K–12 (School Counselor endorsement) preferred

Skills & Experience:

• Experience working with children and families in a school or youth-serving environment.

• Knowledge of counseling theories, child development, and evidence-based intervention strategies.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and consultation skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with educators, administrators, and community partners.

• Culturally responsive and committed to equity in education.

• Minimum of five years of counseling experience with at least 2 years of experience working in schools.

Work Environment:

• School-based setting, including summer programming, with occasional community meetings.

• Requires a balance of independent responsibilities—such as direct student services, case management, and documentation with active participation in collaborative team activities.

• Includes extended desk work and occasional lifting/moving of 10–20 pounds.

Who You Are:

• A passionate advocate for education equity and social justice.

• A creative problem solver able to assess situations, identify challenges, and develop effective strategies to address various issues

• A community-minded leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Resourceful in finding and accessing services, programs, and interventions that meet the unique needs of students and families.

• Someone with a deep respect for cultural diversity and a commitment to fostering inclusive communities.

Ready to Make a Difference?If you're driven to make a positive impact on individuals' lives and lead our social services into a new era of compassion and support, we're eager to connect with you. To apply, please upload your cover letter and resume here

Compensation and Benefits Package:

• Competitive, transparent pay scale aligned with local public schools

• 80% employer contribution of medical benefits

• 3% 401(k) company match

• Up to $10,000 in annual tuition assistance 

• Targeted, ongoing professional development

• International travel opportunities with students

• Opportunities for leadership, growth, and meaningful impact