Middle School Counselor - Georgia Connections Academy

Description School Summary Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades K-12 throughout Georgia. The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options. The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED, and GACA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. Georgia Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Position Summary Working from our office in Duluth, Georgia, or from your home in Georgia, the High School Counselor will assist students and parents/learning coaches with course selection, scheduling and will be the initial point of contact for student concerns that span multiple subject areas as well as non-academic issues. All GACA staff must be able to participate in monthly in-person activities, including but not limited to: School and department meetings, Student engagement opportunities, Required training/development, School-level events, such as state testing and graduation. The High School Counselor will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks: Assist students and families with successful transition into the program; Work with a diversity of students with special needs, including students with section 504 plans Follow up with students and families to ensure that they are staying on track and fulfilling the requirements of our school; Build relationships with students and families through email, phone calls, and in person when necessary; Proactively be able to troubleshoot and problem solve student and family issues and understand the proper channels of communication; Work with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources; Advise students and families related to academics, early college and career planning Assist students and parents with the school course selection process according to specific state credit requirements, postsecondary plans and student needs and interests; Advise students with issues related to dropping courses and changing schedules, seeking support as needed, while ensuring that the school’s course selection and drop policies are adhered to; Implement programs for students and families related to interpersonal adjustment issues; Participate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans for the school and serve as a key member of a multidisciplinary support team; Report and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as obligated by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards. Stay abreast of all state regulations relating to incident reporting and documentation; Assist teachers when students enroll mid-semester, making sure that teachers receive guidance on integrating the students into their coursework, and ensuring that previous grades, credits, and evaluations are handled appropriately; And other duties as assigned. Essential Responsibilities: Instruction & Academic Support Support high-quality synchronous instruction and asynchronous resources aligned to GACA curriculum and state standards. Support differentiated Tier 1 instruction and collaborate within the MTSS/RTI model to plan and deliver Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. Collaborate effectively with teachers and support staff to ensure all student accommodations are implemented with fidelity and aligned to individualized learning needs. Use assessment data to support student learning needs and instruction, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to ensure growth. Maintain deep knowledge of assigned courses and general awareness of K–12 curriculum pathways. Student & Family Engagement Build strong, positive relationships with students and families to support academic success and engagement. Support parent conferences and Personal Learning Plans, and communicate regularly regarding progress, attendance, and needs. Support students with alternate lessons, assessments, and targeted instructional strategies to meet individualized learning goals. Assessment & Accountability Support formative and summative assessments, including monthly progress monitoring, CFAs, and EOCs where applicable. Participate in all required Georgia state standardized assessments in-person and virtual sessions, including Georgia Milestones, ACCESS, Georgia Alternative Assessment, etc., in addition to End-of-Pathway, benchmarks, CFAs, and diagnostic assessments. Maintain accurate records of attendance, communication logs, academic progress, and intervention documentation. Collaboration & Professional Practice Work collaboratively within the Professional Learning Community to monitor data, plan instruction, and ensure student success. Partner with Teachers, Special Education staff, and team members to meet student needs and ensure strong communication loops. Support social, engagement, and community-building activities—both virtual and in-person—to cultivate belonging for students and families. Attend required school and district professional development and pursue ongoing growth in instructional practice. Community Engagement & School Support Assist in the organization and facilitation of school-wide events (graduation, field trips, engagement activities). Participate in student recruitment efforts, marketing events, and family orientations as needed. Support the creation of a positive, inclusive virtual school culture through consistent communication, engagement, and community-building practices. Perform other duties as assigned to support school operations, strategic initiatives, and student success. Essential Skills & Competencies Strong commitment to equitable practice, high expectations, and individualized student support Ability to use data to inform instruction and intervention Excellent communication and relationship-building skills Effective collaboration within virtual and in-person teams Strong organizational skills and timely completion of all required documentation Comfort with technology-based instruction and virtual learning tools Flexibility, problem-solving ability, and a student-centered mindset QUALIFICATIONS: Masters Degree or higher in Counselor Education/School Counseling (from an accredited institution) CERTIFICATION/LICENSE Georgia Clearance Certificate Georgia Service Certificate in School Counseling Requirements Possess a Georgia School Counseling certification Must have a Clearance Certificate through the Department of Education or be able to obtain one within the first 30 days of the first day of hire. Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite) Excellent communication skills, both oral and written Highly organized and punctual Student and family-focused approach Experience in teaching or supporting Title I schools High degree of flexibility Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment Team player track record Strong interpersonal skills, which include the ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds. Willingness to travel for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel) Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication