3rd-5th Grade School Counselor, (Long Term Substitute, January-March 2027)

Independence Charter School

3rd-5th Grade School Counselor, (long term substitute, January-March 2027)

Independence Charter School (ICS) is a K-8 Philadelphia citywide admission charter focused on academic excellence, second language acquisition and developing global citizens. ICS is seeking a culturally proficient upper elementary school counselor to serve as a long term substitute from January 2027 - March 2027. The upper elementary school counselor (3-5) will implement a counseling program to assist students in their personal, social, and academic development. Working under the direction of the Principal, the Upper Elementary Counselor (3-5) has the following responsibilities:

K-2 Student/Family Support

• Coordinate regular Student Success Team (SST) meetings and track progress of interventions

• Respond to requests from ICS staff and parents for consultation regarding students’ social/emotional well-being as it relates to school success

• Mediate and improve relationships between students, parents, and teachers.

• In coordination with the Dean, intervene in situations of student conflict, potential bullying, etc.

• Identify services and supports for students and families struggling socially and emotionally

• Execute individual and small group intervention sessions in areas of need such as bullying, divorce, death & grief, trauma, etc.

• Serve as the point person for 3rd-5th grade students with mental health crises and for DHS referrals. Serve as the back-up point person for K-2nd and 6th-8th grade students with mental health crises.

• In coordination with the Special Education Coordinator & Student Support Specialist, provide social/emotional support for Special Education students, as prescribed in their IEP

• Coordinate Career Day in March.

• Coordinate teacher-led or counselor-led lessons for social-emotional learning, including supporting teachers with Second Step curriculum implementation.

Administrative

• In coordination with the Lower Elementary and Middle School Counselors, oversee adherence to the ICS attendance policy and intervene with students and families as necessary.

• Manage urgent situations involving staff and/or students, as needed

Other Duties, as assigned (i.e., assisting with arrival/dismissal, etc)

Knowledge Skills and Ability Required:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• B.A/B.S degree in Counseling or Social Work.

• PA School Counseling Certification (Elementary) (highly preferred)

• Demonstrated cultural responsiveness and skill in encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to feel a sense of belonging and creating a safe space where they feel respected, heard, and challenged.

• Demonstrated understanding, appreciation and compassion for students who learn differently

• Commitment to ICS values of equity, courage, community, and growth

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Must have the ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.

Physical Requirements

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

If interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and resume, including all current or in-process PA certifications and clearances.

Pay: $150.00 - $200.00 per day

Work Location: In person