High School Counselor 25-26 – KIPP Legacy High School

Reporting to the Manager of Student Support Services the KIPP KC High School Counselor plays a critical role in supporting students academically socially and emotionally as they navigate their high school journey and prepare for postsecondary opportunities. The counselor will deliver a comprehensive identity-affirming school counseling program that includes academic advising SEL skill-building career exploration and responsive support.

This role includes four core areas of responsibility:

1. Academic Counseling

2. Social-Emotional Learning

3. Responsive Services

4. Systems-Level Support

Key Responsibilities

Academic Counseling & Postsecondary Planning

• Guide students in academic planning course selection and graduation requirement tracking.

• Ensure 100% of students develop and update their Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP).

Provide targeted support to students at risk of falling behind in credits or off-track for graduation.

• Collaborate with the College Counseling and Postsecondary team to support students in pursuing college career and trade pathways.

• Advise on dual credit/enrollment options ACT/SAT prep and summer learning opportunities.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Direct Services

• Deliver SEL lessons and small group counseling aligned to the comprehensive counseling program and KIPP KCs values.

• Offer direct support for student well-being and identity development including topics such as mental health peer relationships time management and stress.

• Keep detailed records of sessions and progress using data to inform supports and programming.

• Collaborate with educators to support a culturally responsive and trauma-informed classroom culture.

Responsive Services

• Provide immediate and short-term individual or group counseling in response to student needs.

• Participate in crisis response and safety planning for students in need of urgent support.

• Facilitate peer mediation and conflict resolution processes.

• Refer students and families to appropriate internal and community-based resources when necessary.
   

Systems-Level Collaboration

• Participate in school-wide support teams including IEP 504 MTSS CARE and Student of Concern meetings.

• Collaborate with teachers deans and leaders to identify trends in student behavior academics and wellness.

• Support implementation of restorative practices and trauma-informed strategies across campus.

Organize and lead school-wide programming such as Career Day Mental Health Awareness events and parent workshops.

Qualifications :

Required:

• Masters degree or higher in School Counseling Education Social Work or a related mental health discipline.

• Missouri School Counseling Certification (K12 or 912) or eligibility to obtain.

• Passion for working with adolescents and supporting equity in postsecondary access.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a high school setting particularly with first-generation college-bound students.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed and restorative practices.

• Familiarity with ICAP development Naviance Infinite Campus and/or other counseling management platforms.
   

Skills and Competencies

• Strong belief in the potential of every student.

• Commitment to diversity equity inclusion and culturally affirming practices.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to balance compassion with accountability in supporting student growth.

• Highly organized and data-driven in service tracking and documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to navigate the school building and participate in duties such as arrival dismissal and lunch supervision.

Willingness to attend school events professional development and meetings both in-person and virtually.

Additional Information :

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday and some weekends. 
• A typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience educational background and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates including medical dental and vision options as well as life insurance and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement ongoing professional development and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer we hire without consideration of race religion creed color national origin age gender sexual orientation marital status veteran status or disability.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time