MIddle School Counselor

Purpose of PositionDes Moines Christian Middle School Counselors are student-focused professionals who fulfill the mission of Des MoinesChristian School by leading a comprehensive counseling program that guides students in their academic personal socialemotional and spiritual growth through intentional discipleship. The Counselor works closely with faculty staff andfamilies to implement supports that address the diverse needs of middle school students. DMC counselors are a pivotalpart of the collaborative efforts to foster a school culture of academic excellence and spiritual growth where : Full-time Salaried contracted employee 10 months (August - May) Full-time Benefit Eligible / School YearReports To: Head of Middle SchoolQualifications: MA/MS in school counseling required or currently working towards this degree. Applicable Iowa License or able to obtain one for the position. Experience in school counseling preferred. Professing believer in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and committed to growing in a relationship with agreement with the Des Moines Christian School Statement of agreement with the Des Moines Christian School Biblical Convictions for Christian Education. Regularly attends and is actively involved in a church that affirms historic Christian orthodoxy (doctrine faithteaching practice) consistent with the DMC Statement of Faith through that churchs public creed confessioncore beliefs or statement of Profile: Committed to the mission of DMC: Equipping minds and nurturing hearts to impact the world for Christ. A teacher and learner at heart who loves students of all ages and exudes enthusiasm for shepherding the growthof children. Characterized by integrity and maintains confidentiality. Utilizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Demonstrates consistent spiritual leadership. Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills. Adapts communication style to suit different audiences. Exhibits initiative for working with minimal direct supervision. Proven ability to work in a leadership role that interacts with diverse groups including faculty staff students :Student Support and Counseling Collaborates with teachers and parents on early identification and intervention of students academic andsocial/emotional needs working to remove barriers to learning and developing skills and behaviors critical forstudent development. Recognizes and responds to student mental health needs and assists students and families seeking additionalresources. Works collaboratively with other counselors to develop and implement proactive mental health andsocial-emotional systems of support including small groups and classroom-based instruction to promote studentwell-being resilience and spiritual formation. Provides professional development on identifying and supporting at-risk students. Partners with Middle School Leadership in identifying and addressing student behaviors. Supports student leadership development opportunities through co-teaching the House Leadership Completes assessments referrals and counseling with students and families. Assists with department assessments and testing accommodations. Completes written reports of student data for the Middle School team (e.g. assessment analysis and behavioranalysis).Administration Serves as a member of the Student Support Team and other school-based teams. Collaborates with the Head of Middle School Assistant Middle School Principal and other School Counselors todevelop and maintain the master schedule. Builds and manages individual student schedules ensuring alignment with student support needs. Collaborates with the Academics Coordinator to maintain student schedules in the Student Information System. Engages in ongoing professional development opportunities. Fulfills professional responsibilities established by the for All Counseling Positions Ensures the DMC mission drives all counseling program goals as well as curricular and extracurricular activities. Upholds a Christ-centered prayerful approach to all counseling needs tying counseling programs and services toBiblical principles. Exhibits a love for children and a passion to see each student succeed. Integrates a biblical worldview in daily counseling that examines Gods creation mans brokenness theredemption of Christ and Gods future restoration. Develops trusting productive relationships with students in order to create a safe positive and productive schoolenvironment. Possesses knowledge about the cognitive social and emotional development of children. Engages in ongoing professional growth conversations with the Head of Middle School. Demonstrates patience care and kindness for all children and families. Partners with parents through effective consistent communication. Serves as a collaborative productive team member who participates in professional learning communities schoolevents department meetings and other committee work that enhances the experience for faculty and students atDes Moines Christian School. All other duties as assigned.