Counselor - Intern

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description: School Counseling Intern

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Position Title: School Counseling Intern
Location: CICS Northtown Academy, under Meridian Charter Schools
Reports To: Licensed Professional School Counselor (Site Supervisor)

Position Summary

Meridian Charter Schools is seeking a School Counseling Intern for the 2024-2025 academic year. The intern will work alongside experienced professionals to support the academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary development of students. This position offers a hands-on opportunity to create and implement effective counseling strategies while developing professionally within a dynamic school environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Support and Development:

• Assist in the creation and management of a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the school’s mission and goals.

• Plan and implement action items based on annual and quarterly program goals.

• Support the school’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team to address student needs effectively.

• Collaborate with the school counseling team to deliver programs that promote equity, access, and student achievement.

Student Services:

• Provide individual and small-group counseling sessions to address academic, social-emotional, and career readiness needs.

• Manage a small caseload of students (10-15) with diverse needs, including seniors pursuing postsecondary pathways.

• Deliver classroom-based lessons on counseling topics such as goal-setting, college readiness, and stress management.

• Facilitate social-emotional or academic support groups.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Partner with families and staff to support student achievement and well-being.

• Participate in parent-teacher conferences and grade-level team meetings.

• Actively engage in weekly supervision sessions with the site supervisor to reflect on practices and challenges.

• Contribute to the development of inclusive communication plans for students and families.

Data and Evaluation:

• Collect and analyze data to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

• Use findings to revise counseling strategies and inform program decisions.

• Support compliance with applicable policies and procedures, including those related to confidentiality and crisis management.

Professional Development:

• Attend professional development sessions, including network or association events (e.g., ISCA, ASCA).

• Collaborate with school leadership on program revisions and student engagement strategies.

• Attend applicable Meridian Charter School Professional Development sessions and weekly department meetings.

Qualifying Education and Licensure

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

  • Enrollment in a graduate school counseling program with eligibility for practicum/internship placement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking and active listening.

• Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, and staff to promote student success.

• Familiarity with data-driven decision-making in counseling program evaluation.

• Cultural competence and the ability to support identity-affirming spaces for diverse learners.

• Adaptability in modifying approaches to meet the unique needs of students and the school community.

Learning Objectives

By the conclusion of this internship, the School Counseling Intern will:

• Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement effective counseling interventions.

• Gain practical experience in individual and group counseling within a high school setting.

• Acquire skills in program evaluation, data analysis, and family engagement.

• Build a foundation of professional practice aligned with ASCA standards.

Direct Service Hours: This position is structured to meet the ISBE School Counselor Pre-K-22 direct service hours requirement during the 2024-2025 school year.

Compensation: Unpaid internship; academic credit may be arranged with the intern’s university.

Physical Job Requirements:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling; some kneeling, crouching, and significant finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 40% standing, and 50% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and climate controlled environment.

Meridian Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this pivotal role.

Apply Today!