School Counselor

Founded in 1959 and located on a beautiful 28-acre campus in Malvern, PA, VFES and the Vanguard School are dedicated to the growth and development of children and young adults with a variety of special needs. Through a collaborative and holistic approach to each individual served by the continuum of educational, recreation, and employment services offered, VFES commits to helping all students and participants develop a strong sense of self-worth in their communities in an environment driven by respect, appreciation, learning, and growth.

Title: School Counselor
Program/Dept: Vanguard
Reports to: Assistant Director of Clinical Services
Position Type: 10 Month, Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:45AM to 3:45PM
FLSA Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications
1. Master’s degree in School Counseling or a related field.
2. Current PA school certification in Elementary or Secondary School Counseling.
3. Experience working with students with special needs in a school setting.
4. Ability to engage intellectually and physically in all components of the educational process.
5. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all constituents (administrators, colleagues, students, parents, and others).
6. Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
7. Ability to use computers and perform clerical skills at a proficient level.

General Duties and Responsibilities
The School Counselor provides support to students in academic, vocational and social areas and is concerned with the implementation of the behavior management program.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide support services to assigned students including counseling, consultation, behavior management, liaison with parents and other affiliated professionals.
2. Establish regular contact with students through individual counseling sessions and/or group guidance activities.
3. Maintain documentation of all activity regarding student contact, parent contact, and agency involvement.
4. Attend parent/teacher conferences as necessary.
5. Maintain accurate records as to student status within program, recommendations, and ancillary services.
6. Demonstrate competency in each of the VFES core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork.
7. Comply with all organizational policies and procedures including those stated in the VFES Policies & Procedures manual and additional verbal and written communications provided to staff members.
8. Maintain a professional, confidential and ethical relationship with administrators, colleagues, parents, students, and others at all times.
9. Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, in-service activities, and other meetings as required.
10. Maintain proper credentials for assignment and remain educationally informed in all related areas including PDE regulations and state/national standards through continued professional study and attending workshops and conferences.
11. Performs related duties, special assignments and projects as assigned.

VFES offers a competitive salary, full comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a generous annual contribution to each employees’ 403(b). Top that off with team-building events, staff outings, and working alongside professionals who care deeply about our mission and core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork!

VFES and The Vanguard School is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment, be sure to let us know. We're excited to hear from you!