Counselor for Alternative Learning - SY24/25 - Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

TITLE: Counselor for Alternative Learning 

LOCATION: NCO

The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is a nationally recognized urban school district that serves approximately 22,000 students and 60+ different languages are spoken in the homes of our students. KCKPS is home to Sumner Academy, the #6 highest rated High School in the Nation and #1 High School in Kansas according to the US News rankings.

With Head Start/preschools, 28 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 5 college and career academies/high schools, we are the fifth largest district in the state of Kansas and our student population is approximately 56% Hispanic, 24% African American, 9% White, and 6% Asian. To serve our students, the district employs approximately 4,000 employees including more than 1,800 teachers.              

JOB GOAL:  To provide comprehensive support and individualized educational plans for students in alternative learning environments, ensuring their academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs are met. As the primary case worker, coordinate with teachers, parents, families, school counselors, and other stakeholders to support student progress, maintain detailed records, and offer targeted counseling and mental health support services. Facilitate the triage of needs during transitions, ensuring seamless integration and success within the educational system to meet the needs of graduation and beyond. Work with counselors at home school sites in facilitating the needs of students when transitions are appropriate to and from the alternative learning program.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Counseling and Support:

• Provide individual and group counseling to address academic, social, and emotional needs of students referred to the alternative learning programs or REP.
• Develop personalized support plans and facilitate peer support groups to promote social skills and community building.
• Offer crisis intervention and collaborate with families, teachers, and mental health professionals to create safety plans and improve family dynamics.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to students throughout their enrollment in the alternative facility, addressing academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Case Management:

• Assist with intake assessments for virtual school students referred for additional support services (mental health/community resources).
• Develop individualized case plans in collaboration with students, families, teachers, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of student progress, interventions, and outcomes.
• Participate in case conferences and team meetings to discuss student progress and adjust case plans as needed.
• Collaborate with the Greenbush team to ensure effective support for students in the Alternative Learning program.  

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs:

• Design and implement SEL programs with teachers in the Alternative Learning Program focusing on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
• Conduct workshops and integrate SEL practices into daily routines and academic curricula.

Restorative Practices and Behavioral Interventions:

• Facilitate restorative circles, mediation sessions, and other restorative interventions to resolve conflicts and restore relationships.
• Train students and staff in restorative practices to create a supportive and accountable school culture.
• Develop and implement behavior intervention plans, collaborating with teachers to manage student behavior effectively.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and other staff members to implement restorative practices and create a positive and inclusive school culture.

Collaboration and Advocacy:

• Work closely with teachers, administrators, and other staff to identify and address student needs.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for student mental health and well-being within the school community.
• Foster positive relationships with students, families, and community partners to enhance engagement and support.

Professional Development and Data Management:

• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in counseling, SEL, virtual schooling, restorative justice, and student support services.
• Provide training and support to staff on SEL and mental health topics.
• Maintain accurate records of counseling sessions, interventions, and student progress.
• Analyze data to assess the effectiveness of counseling and SEL programs and make necessary adjustments.

School and Community Responsibilities:

• Provide training, modeling, consultation, coaching, and technical support in restorative practices to staff, students, parents, and community groups.
• Respond to Restorative Referrals and assess appropriate responses.
• Conduct intake assessments for Restorative Conferences and Circles, including preparation, participant coordination, facilitation, and follow-up.
• Manage consent forms for intensive circle or conferencing processes.
• Ensure agreements from restorative meetings are upheld through follow-up.
• Facilitate transitions to and from disciplinary alternative education placements.
• Collaborate with MTSS, Leadership, and Data teams to strengthen practices.
• Maintain activity logs and student files for reporting and intervention delivery.
• Analyze data with school staff to identify and address disparities in restorative practices.

• Provide training and support to parents, community groups, and partners of the school community in restorative practices.
• Along with other ALS staff, maintain relationships with students and families during absences to support re-entry.
• Coordinate restorative community service opportunities.

• Utilize trauma-informed restorative practices.
• Attend any trainings to acquire and disseminate best practices in restorative justice.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Meets the employment qualifications set forth by the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education.
• Master's degree in counseling
• Must be licensed or eligible for a provisional licensure upon hire
• Previous experience in case management, student support services, or related field.
• Knowledge of restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches to working with youth.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with virtual learning platforms and technology tools for remote communication and documentation.

COMMUNICATION:

• Maintains communication with teachers, other school personnel, and parents/guardians to enhance cooperative action which will meet the educational needs of students.
• Provides health services, information, and counseling in an effective and positive manner to enhance the health and wellness of the school community.
• Completes accident/incident reports for students/staff.
• Compiles data for statistical purposes.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding educational records. 

ORGANIZATION: 

• Maintains a daily log of school/staff visits and documentation
• Maintains the daily environment of the space 
• Utilizes existing technology effectively in the performance of duties
• Performs other related work as required

REASONING ABILITY:  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Ability to read and analyze and interpret general professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, general curriculum and learning theories, correspondence, and protocols.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, parents, students, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  The employee must occasionally push items of 50 pounds such as pushing on a bike or wheelchair, or moving/rearranging furniture.  While performing the duties of the job the employee occasionally may visit a child’s home.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and is a standard acceptable level for this environment. Is directly responsible for students’ safety, work output and well-being.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to the connected instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community; ability to speak clear and concisely in written or oral communication.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 186 days plus 10 additional days                                                                      

SALARY:  Based on Certified Salary Schedule

FLSA STATUS: Exempt         

REPORT TO:  Executive Director of Student Services

Evaluation:  Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the KCKPS Board of Education policy.

For more information regarding Title IX please contact:

District Compliance Coordinator

2010 N. 59th Street

Kansas City, KS 66104

913-279-2262

Title IX@kckps.org