Licensed Middle School Guidance Counselor (2023-2024)

KIPP Memphis Public Schools is part of KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program), a national network of tuition-free, open-enrollment, public schools that are successful in helping students from educationally underserved communities develop the knowledge, skills, character, and habits needed to succeed in college and the competitive world beyond.  There are currently 280 KIPP schools across the nation serving nearly 120,000 students.  Founded in 2002, KIPP Memphis serves over 1,500 K-12 students in our four North Memphis schools and almost 900 alumni on their journeys to-and-through college with our KIPP Forward Program.

As a leader in providing high quality education for students who need us most, the KIPP Memphis team and family serves as a model of excellence and collaborates with other community organizations to raise the overall quality of education in Memphis. The mission of KIPP Memphis is to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose – college, career, and beyond – so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

*Signing Bonus up to $10,000!*

This position will develop and implement programs to remediate behavioral and social challenges for students. Serve as a support to school personnel and parents. Assist in the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans/services for eligible students.

The Guidance Counselor will report directly to the Principal.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and execute small group and whole group classes targeting social-emotional wellness.
• Complete and write functional behavior assessments, behavior support plans and behavior intervention plans for the purpose of providing a safe and effective educational environment for students with challenging behaviors.
• Collect and summarize behavioral data
• Coach and collaborate with the school team to ensure behavior support plans and behavior intervention plans are implemented with fidelity.
• Provide social skills instruction to identified students utilizing research-based methodologies and approved the curriculum.
• Provide support to teachers (Ed Specialists and GE teachers) through modeling, observing, coaching, and planning.
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meetings, 504 Meetings and Student Study Team (SST) Meetings for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to complete behavior support plans, functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans.
• Collaborate with the school team, agencies, families, and others as needed for the purpose of implementing the behavior support plan and/or behavior intervention plan as a team.
• Maintains appropriate records for the purpose of preserving the progress of the behavior interventions.
• Conducts workshops, training presentations, etc. in classroom management techniques for the purpose of developing skills and establishing effective relationships with challenging behaviors students
• Collect and summarize behavioral data
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Competency in child cognitive development and different learning styles
• Understanding of behavior intervention strategies
• Knowledge of developmental, emotional and behavioral disabilities
• Expertise in, and ability to implement, de-escalation techniques
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and facilitate groups to consensus
• Aptitude to effectively engage in the problem-solving process
• Competence to collect, summarize and graph behavioral data
• Ability to use and model research model based classroom management and individualized behavioral interventions
• Must be able to organize, prioritize, and manage work assignments in an efficient manner and within established timeframes
• Communication mastery in both speaking and in writing
• Capacity to handle emotionally charged situations through the use of problem-solving and meditation techniques
• Ability to interact and collaborate with staff, students and families in a professional manner
• Wherewithal to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to support the mission, vision, and core values of KIPP Memphis Collegiate Schools

Additional Requirements & Qualifications:

• Licensed Guidance Counselor with State of TN Dept of Education (Required)
• Commitment to working with underserved students
•  At least two years of teaching experience (Required)
• Bachelor’s Degree (Required)
• Two (2)+ years working with students in education or residential setting (Required)
• Experienced with conducting functional behavior assessments and developing behavior support plans and behavior intervention plans (Required)
• Trained in positive behavioral strategies used to prevent and deescalate behavior (Required)
• Maintain training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) positive behavioral strategies used to prevent and deescalate behavior by attending refresher courses within the designated timeframe (Required)
• Specialization in Special Education, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology (preferred)

*Signing Bonus up to $10,000*

Salary for this position is competitive and depends on prior experience, degree attainment, and credentials. A competitive benefits package will also be offered.

ADA Requirements:

• Prolonged periods standing and actively monitoring student behavior while teaching
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Must be able to traverse classroom and adjust height, by bending or leaning, in order to teach each child
• Must be able to facilitate classroom transitions by walking through hallways and up and down stairs with students