Position:  DIS-Counselor

Synergy Academies consists of 3 urban charter schools: an elementary School (Synergy Charter School), a middle school (Synergy Kinetic Academy), and a high school (Synergy Quantum Academy).  Our mission is to create and share solutions that eliminate the achievement gap.  Our schools are co-located on LAUSD campuses with one or more LAUSD school in South Los Angeles.  We are looking for a DIS-counselor who is willing to learn, willing to work hard, who believes in the effectiveness of a structured school-wide curriculum and pacing plans, who is a team player, who has a “whatever it takes” attitude, and who are willing to help out in any way needed.  Learn more about Synergy Academies online at www.WeAreSynergy.org.

Primary Function:

Helps to oversee the student counseling caseload at Synergy’s schools and serves as the main DIS-counselor on both the middle school and high school campuses to assist students and families with socio-emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges via individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, suicide risk and threat assessment, and referrals to alternative programs and supports.

Job Duties:

• Demonstrate knowledge and support of Synergy’s mission, vision, policies, and procedures, and charter petition.
• Adhere to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the ethical standards set forth by the CTC in issuing your Pupil Personnel Services Credentials.
• Provide small-group and individual counseling for students in grades 6-12 (with or without IEPs).
• Meet with struggling students to set goals and recommend strategies for improved academic success.
• Consult with school staff and parents regarding the behavioral, social, and emotional needs of students, and recommend appropriate support strategies.
• Provide classroom and/or school-wide presentations for students, parents, as well as professional development for staff on a variety of topics.
• Collaborate with community agencies and refer students and families to appropriate community resources as needed.
• Attend IEP meetings for students with DIS-counseling and report student progress to parents and staff as well as collaborate with the IEP team. 
• Prepare IEP documents using Welligent (web-based IEP writing system) including: writing present levels of performance, creating appropriate goals, making recommendations for counseling services, and preparing quarterly progress reports. 
• Conduct classroom observations of students in order to help determine needs and/or to help with positive behavior support and/or behavior modification.
• Coordinate/support site crisis management plan.
• Implement/support “danger to self/others” procedures.
• Actively participate in staff developments and weekly staff meetings.
• Maintain a professional manner when working with students, staff, and parents/families via both oral and written communication. 
• Collaborate with teachers, staff members, and/or outside service providers to share best practices and to improve one’s own and others’ instructional practices. 
• Provide a safe learning environment for students.
• Maintain high standards of student conduct, including implementing Synergy’s school-wide discipline plan and Synergy’s scholar lessons.
• Establish a culture of high expectations that include college preparation for all students.  Maintain accurate student records, in accordance with Synergy’s procedures.
• Be proactive and initiate in helping out in any way needed.
• Perform other duties, as required and assigned.

Qualifications:

• Have at least one year of counseling experience (full time, part time, or internship experience) at a school site or with a community-based organization.
• Hold a Master’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or counseling.
• Hold a credential in School Counseling, School Psychologist, or Pupil Personnel Services credential.
• Certification in non-violent crisis intervention and/or as a behavioral intervention specialist is a plus.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) is preferred but not required.
• Possess positive communication and relationship building skills as well as strong organizational skills.
• Proficient in the use of computers, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia presentations, email, the Internet, and/or digital media.  Experience with Welligent is a plus.
• Familiar with special education and Section 504 laws, policies, and procedures.
• Possess an in-depth understanding of and commitment to the school’s mission and vision.
• Ability to travel between locations.
• Able to lift heavy objects up to 30 lbs.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, please do not contact anyone within our organization or at our schools about the status of your application.

Synergy Academies is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, age, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other status protected by law.