The Bridge Middle School Classroom Counselor (License Preferred)

Job Description

Educators for Quality Alternatives (EQA)

EQA is a New Orleans nonprofit with the mission of Providing struggling students with the skills, confidence and experiences to succeed in the education and career paths of their choice.

The organization currently runs three alternative high schools: The NET:Central City, The NET:Gentilly, and the NET:East for students who have dropped out of, been expelled from, or who have otherwise struggled in a traditional school setting. 

EQA programs are built on the belief that alternative schools should not punish or “fix” young people; they should be vibrant, flexible, and restorative environments that support students in being their best selves.

The Bridge Middle School Program launched in August 2019 to serve 7th and 8th grade students during their expulsion terms.  The program is rooted in restorative and therapeutic practices:  students participate in intensive behavioral, social, and academic support and work to build skills that will help them transition successfully back to their home school.

Position Summary

The Bridge’s innovative model pairs a teacher and a counselor in each classroom to insure that students’ behavioral and mental health needs are being met along with their academic needs. The Classroom Counselor uses best practices in restorative and trauma-informed approaches to support individual student growth and classroom community development. 

 The Bridge’s Classroom Counselors are responsible for:

• Providing in and out of class interventions
• Case managing individual students
• Managing crisis and de-escalating students
• Sharing in classroom planning and supporting students academically
• Facilitating transitions into and out of the program 
• Liaising with stakeholders to insure wrap around supports
• Constantly developing your craft

Position Requirements:

Education & Experience

• 3-5+ years experience with at risk middle/high school students
• Experience working with students and families with significant trauma with a demonstrated record of improving their academic and behavioral skills
• Valid MSW, PLC or LCSW preferred by not required

Skills & Approach

• Passion for improving educational opportunities for urban students and for being a part of a strong, mission-driven team
• Commitment to EQA’s mission, vision and values
• Excellent organization, communication, interpersonal and people management skills
• Skilled at program, monitoring and evaluation, workplanning, and execution
• Flexible and learning mindset dedicated to effectively & innovatively problem solving

Details:

• Start Date: ASAP
• Location: The Bridge: 12000 Hayne Blvd.
• Schedule: School is year-round with a generous leave schedule.
• Salary: $40,000-$50,000 depending upon experience. Initial salary is set based on years of experience, certification, and degrees. Future salary increases are based on performance and responsibilities.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits and 403b retirement plan

Detailed Responsibilities

Provide in and out of class interventions

• Design and provide individual and classroom based interventions including, but not limited to:
  • PBIS behavior plans
  • Restorative circles
  • Group therapy sessions
  • Individual sessions
  • Collaborative problem solving plans

Case management individual students

• With the team develop, adjust, and monitor student behavior and counseling plans
• Implement interventions
• Track and communicate progress to student, families, and staff

Facilitate transitions into and out of the program 

• Develop and conduct effective transition  meetings with families, students, home school staff and bridge staff
• Work with each student to create their “transition manual” 
• Provide appropriate information and supports to home school to insure students transition back successfully

Sharing in classroom planning and supporting students academically

• While the classroom teacher will do the bulk of the academic planning, the counselor and teacher work as a team planning the daily and weekly schedule
• When students are not in need of behavioral interventions, the counselors provide academic supports

Manage crisis prevention and interventions

• Use CPI to intervene and de-escalate students safely and productively
•  In collaboration with students, families, and staff, design crisis plans for high needs students
• Train students and staff to handle crisis in safe, restorative, and appropriate ways

Liaison with stakeholders to insure wrap around supports

• Collaborate with team to insure all students are connected with appropriate referrals, supports and resources
• Track referral outcomes and advocate for students and families to insure they receive appropriate care
•  Assists students in accessing formal and informal community resources
• Work with families and conduct home visits to build rapport

Constantly Develop your Craft

• Set goals for student development and professional growth
• Actively reflect on your own work and monitor progress toward goals
• Productively seek, give, and use feedback
• Positively contribute to the school’s collegial community
• Participate in all scheduled professional development activities and seek out additional opportunities
• Involve yourself in the continual development and improvement of the school’s curriculum, culture, and program.

EQA encourages individuals of all identities and backgrounds to apply for this position. We are an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to hiring a talented and diverse group of individuals. EQA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. EQA does not sponsor employment visas. In compliance with state law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in a Louisiana public school via the appropriate background checks.