The K-12 School Counselor must be a spiritually sensitive individual who understands the mission and philosophy of Plaza Heights Christian Academy and is committed to promoting it as it becomes a reality in the lives of our students by manifesting it by precept and example through every practice as a Christian role model (I Timothy 4:12) both in and out of school (Luke 6:40), and as an example to parents and fellow employees in judgment, dignity, respect, and Christian living according to the conditions of employment outlined in the PHCA Faculty Contract. The teacher must be a born again Christian with spiritual maturity in academic and leadership abilities that will enable him/her to teach God’s truth. The teacher must have the ability to communicate well with various types of people, handle confidential information appropriately, maintain a courteous, professional, and respectful attitude and integrity in all situations.
Job Description
Position: K-12 School Counselor
Classification: Full-time, Salaried
Reports To: Elementary Principal & Secondary Principal
Schedule: 7:50 AM – 3:50 PM, M-F
Mission: To teach Biblical truth in an environment of academic excellence that prepares students to impact the world for Christ.
Job Summary
The K-12 School Counselor at Plaza Heights Christian Academy has a dual reporting relationship with the Elementary School Principal and Secondary School Principal and is responsible for providing comprehensive counseling services to students within a Christian framework, focusing on academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development, while actively integrating biblical principles into their approach to supporting student needs, all while upholding the school’s Christian values and mission.
Employee Profile
Spiritually, the employee shall possess characteristics that reflect:
- Acceptance without reservation of the PHCA doctrinal beliefs
- A strong clear Christian testimony
- A mature, godly spirit
- A person of faith and prayer
Personally, the employee’s life shall reflect:
- A lifestyle of biblical integrity
- A spirit of dedication, commitment, flexibility, and responsiveness
- The ability to listen and respond to counsel
Duties and Responsibilities
- Student Needs Assessment: Identifying student needs through data analysis, observations, and consultations with teachers and parents to tailor counseling interventions accordingly. This could include working with the Blue Springs School District on identifying, testing, and implementing individualized plans for students.
- Parent Collaboration: Communicating with parents about student progress, concerns, and providing support where needed.
- Collaboration with School Staff: Working with teachers, administrators, and other support staff to coordinate student support and address concerns.
- Testing/Data Collection and Evaluation: Tracking student data to assess the effectiveness of counseling programs and make necessary adjustments. Help coordinate testing for students and assist in interpreting scores of tests for students and parents.
- Academic Advising: Assisting students with course selection, academic goal setting, and navigating the transition to high school. This includes creating student schedules for the academic school year.
- Coordinator for Additional Student Opportunities: This includes working the A+ program, CTC, STA, and other career centers. This also includes PHCA’s chapter of the National Honor Society.
- Various Counseling Opportunities: Conduct individual, group, and class-wide counseling sessions to address student issues as they arise through a Christian perspective.
- This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be supplemented at the direction of school administration.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in education, counseling or related field. Master’s Degree and/or counseling license is preferred.
- A strong personal commitment to Christian faith as well as an active member of a local, Bible believing church. Candidates should be a born again Christian with the ability to integrate biblical principles into daily work and counseling opportunities.
- Experience working with elementary, middle, and high school students.
- Previous experience in academic counseling is strongly preferred.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of the job.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying informed about trends in academic counseling.
