About this role
Job Description: K-12 School Counselor - Flexible Learning Network (FLN) Location: City View High School @ Kirkwood / Five Seasons Virtual Academy @ Wilson Reports To: Executive Director of Student Services and the FLN Head of Schools Contract: School-Year Contract (as determined by district) Position Summary The School Counselor for the Flexible Learning Network (FLN) provides a comprehensive, K-12 school counseling program across both City View Community High School and the Five Seasons Virtual Academy (FSVA). This role is designed for a collaborative problem-solver and relationship-builder who can support students in a competency-based, early college, and virtual learning environment. The counselor helps students navigate diverse educational pathways while ensuring progress toward academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary goals. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Virtual Academy & Flexible Learning Support
• Provide counseling, academic planning, and graduation support specifically tailored for students in virtual learning environments. • Monitor student engagement, attendance, and course completion to identify and address barriers to success in virtual settings. • Develop individualized intervention plans for students at risk of falling behind and support transitions between traditional and virtual educational settings. 2. Comprehensive School Counseling
• Deliver direct services through a school counseling core curriculum, including instruction and planned group activities that promote academic, career, and social-emotional development. • Provide individual and small-group counseling focused on short-term, goal-oriented achievement and mental health needs. • Assist students at all levels with individual student planning, including appraisal of interests/abilities and advisement for goal setting. • Provide crisis response and assistance to families during emergency situations. 3. Academic Planning & Graduation Support
• Develop and monitor individualized academic plans and conduct regular graduation requirement reviews. • Support course selection, scheduling, and credit attainment. • Utilize student data to identify concerns and implement interventions that promote student success. 4. College, Career, and Pathways Planning
• Coordinate comprehensive college and career readiness programming, guiding students and families through admissions, financial aid (FAFSA), and scholarship applications. • Maintain expertise in diverse pathways, including dual-credit/early college programming with Kirkwood Community College, apprenticeships, military service, and workforce training. 5. Section 504 Coordination
• Serve as the school's Section 504 Coordinator, managing the identification, evaluation, and annual review processes. • Facilitate 504 meetings and ensure the implementation of accommodations across various educational programs and assessments. 6. Collaboration and Outreach
• Consult and collaborate with families, staff, and community partners to remove barriers to learning. • Support student recruitment and enrollment for City View and FSVA, representing the programs at district and community events. • Manage school social media and communications to highlight student achievements and promote the school's mission. • Willingness and ability to collaborate with homeschool students and families. 7. Other
• May carry a FLN roster if needed. • Other duties as assigned by the superintendent and/or their designee. Qualifications Credentials:
• MA in School Counseling - Required • Valid Iowa School Counselor License (with appropriate K-8 and/or 5-12 endorsements for a K-12 scope) - Required • Valid Iowa Teaching License - Preferred Characteristics & Mindsets:
• Student-centered and relationship-driven • Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building new systems • Commitment to educational equity and advocating for all students • Strong philosophy and practices demonstrating support for student-centered learning, trauma-informed care, and positive behavior intervention systems (PBIS) Experience/Skills:
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills • Experience in virtual learning, alternative education, or competency-based environments • Experience coordinating state and national assessments (ISASP, PSAT, ACT) • Knowledge of college admissions and postsecondary transitions • Data-informed decision maker who uses regular analysis to improve programming Physical Requirements & Work Environment:
• Ability to perform physical demands associated with school counseling, including standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds • Must be able to travel between district sites and attend occasional evening events • The work environment is typically quiet but requires flexibility for virtual interaction and supervising various student activities