School Summary:

Inspire Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public charter school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Idaho and is part of the global learning company, Pearson. Inspire Connections Academy is authorized under state law by the Idaho Charter School Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Inspire Academics, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Education, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Inspire Connections Academy has met the criteria for educational quality established by Cognia Global Commission and is accredited by the North Central Association Commission and the Southern Associates of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. Inspire Connections Academy participates in the PERSI retirement system.

Inspire Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Position Summary and Responsibilities:

Working from their home office in Idaho, the School Counselor will virtually assist students in grades K-12 and parents/learning coaches with course selection, scheduling and will be the initial point of contact for student concerns that span multiple subject areas as well as non-academic issues. The School Counselor will become an expert on course and credit requirements for students in 6-12 and will establish counseling processes for students in grades K-12. The School Counselor will also be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Develop and maintain a plan for effective delivery of the comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model;
• Advise students and families related to academics, career planning and graduation;
• Keep abreast of all high school graduation requirements and communicate this information to the necessary stakeholders;
• Assist students and parents with the secondary school course selection process according to specific state credit and graduation requirements and student needs and interests. An integral part of this process is assisting students and parents to develop a Four Year Plan for meeting graduation requirements;
• Advise students with issues related to dropping courses and changing schedules, seeking support as needed, while ensuring that the school’s course selection and drop policies are adhered to;
• Review student transcripts and the entry of credits into the online transcript system;
• Follow procedures to ensure that Connections Academy transcripts are accurate and up-to-date;
• Work with the administrative assistants to obtain school records from the student’s previous school (where applicable) and forwarding student records when appropriate;
• Advocate for all students by maintaining a current knowledge of equity and diversity issues and promoting equal educational opportunities for all students;
• Implement programs for students and families related to interpersonal adjustment issues;
• Work with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources and implement a follow-up process;
• Participate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans for the school and serve as a key member of the Student Support Team (SST);
• Coordinate a team of K-12 teachers to help identify students who are “at risk” or “in crisis”; act as the main point of contact for these students and families, communicating regularly with them;
• Implement efforts to secure complete and accurate records for Connections Academy students;
• Support families through the school withdrawal process, assisting with data collection regarding withdrawal;
• Report and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as obligated by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards. Stay abreast of all state regulations relating to incident reporting and documentation;
• Assist teachers when students enroll mid-semester, making sure that teachers receive guidance on integrating the students into their coursework, and ensuring that previous grades, credits, and evaluations are handled appropriately;
• Implement special programs such as Advanced Placement support, SAT and ACT Preparation, and college entrance preparation;
• Understand the requirements for and assist the principal to facilitate the administration of all high school testing, including PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams;
• Educate stakeholders on Advanced Opportunities funding and assist students and their families in creating graduation plans to maximize college credit earning potential; assist students in selecting and registering for college classes;
• Serve as a site coordinator for Idaho Digital Learning Academy as needed;
• Help students to research and understand their post-secondary career and educational options;
• Assist with student preparation of applications for college and jobs;
• Educate students and parents about college admissions requirements and financial aid
• Support professional development activities for teachers and school staff members;
• Assume teaching and grading duties as necessary;
• Assist in coordinating high school graduation ceremonies; and
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Idaho State Pupil Personnel Certificate endorsed as a school counselor or social worker
• Applicants must reside in Idaho to apply and preference to applicants living in the Treasure Valley
• Strong technology skills (especially with Google Suite, Microsoft OS, and MS Office programs)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to analyze, develop, implement, and track intervention plans and strategies
• High degree of flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
• Team player track record
• Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing, field trips, and state testing events (may require overnight travel)
• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families
• Private workspace free from distraction, high-speed internet, and if applicable, appropriate childcare arrangements for any dependent children that may be in the home during scheduled work hours (8-4 MST)