2025-2026 Counselor - Launch (Virtual Learning)

Job Title: Counselor - Launch

Department: Virtual Learning

Pay Grade: Teachers Salary Schedule including 15 Additional Days and $550 Supplement

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Principal - Virtual Learningin collaboration with the Director of Counseling

GENERAL PURPOSE

This position is responsible for providing support to the instructional process with specific responsibility for providing academic and mental health support to students participating in virtual courses through Launch. Virtual learning opportunities are provided through Launch virtual courses which are designed and developed by Springfield Public Schools. Launch serves full-time enrollments within the district as well as supplemental per-course opportunities. Launch also provides online course services to the state of Missouri.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists students in the transition from high school to college and career ensuring continuity of services.
• Analyzes student transcripts ensuring compliance with graduation requirements.
• Assists students with development of their personal plans of study supporting them in pursuit of their high school and post-secondary goals.
• Assists students with college scholarships and financial aid applications ensuring completion of application processes within designated periods.
• Coordinates with teachers parents students and in-district and community agencies providing/receiving requested information and/or making recommendations towards meeting the developmental needs of students.
• Counsels students parents guardians and teachers enhancing student success and
  meeting the immediate needs of students.
• Implements comprehensive guidance curriculum assigned programs and/or projects conforming to district and state curriculum and/or instructional objectives.
• Monitors students progress identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success.
• Reports health and safety issues to administrative personnel and/or appropriate agencies maintaining students personal safety a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Researches program eligibility requirements providing up-to-date accurate counsel to
  students.
• Monitor student participation in virtual courses to ensure student success.
• Responds to a wide variety of inquiries from students parents and staff resolving problems providing information and/or referring to appropriate personnel.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Masters Degree in job-related area from an accredited college or university required.
• Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.

Certificates Licenses and Other Special Requirements

• Must have a Missouri Counselor 7-12Certification required.
• Ability to gain and maintain Highly Qualified status as defined by Missouris Department of Elementary and Secondary Education required.
• Must pass a Criminal Background Clearance the results of which must be satisfactory to the District required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic math including calculations using fractions percentages and/or ratios; read technical information compose a variety of documents and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues draw conclusions and create action plans.
• Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include appropriate codes policies regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management strategies.
• Skill to perform multiple technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job including applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to work under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods.
• Ability to schedule a number of activities meetings and/or events; gather collate and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment.
• Ability to work with others under a wide variety of circumstances; working with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.
• Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Ability to apply critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality; set priorities; meet deadlines and schedules; work with detailed information; and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to set high expectations for self and others; set and monitor progress toward goals and utilize and offer effective feedback for continuous improvement.
• Ability to work as part of a team; adapt to changing priorities; and apply logical processes and analytical skills.