Aea School Counselor

1. Individual Counseling:
1. Conduct assessments to identify the academic, emotional, and behavioral needs of detained youth.
2. Provide one-on-one counseling to address personal, social, and educational challenges.
3. Develop and implement personalized intervention plans to support the rehabilitation process.
2. Group Counseling:
1. Facilitate group counseling sessions to address common issues and promote positive peer interactions.
2. Implement group activities aimed at building life skills, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
3. Educational Support:
1. Collaborate with educational staff to assess academic levels and create educational plans for detained youth.
2. Provide academic counseling to address learning challenges and support educational goals.
3. Monitor and track educational progress, advocating for necessary accommodations.

d.       Help select, administer, and report PSSA, Keystones, achievement tests, diagnostic tests, behavioral assessments, GED Pretests, aptitude assessments and career interest inventories.

1. Coordinate services for exceptional students and assist the team in developing and sharing of ER's and IEP's.
2. Participate as needed in Multidisciplinary Team meetings and IEP meetings with parents and appropriate agency personnel.

g.       Assist with classroom duties as may be necessary or required.

1. Crisis Intervention:
1. Respond to crises and emergencies within the juvenile detention center.
2. Provide immediate counseling and support to individuals facing emotional distress or challenging situations.
2. Collaboration and Case Management:
1. Work closely with other professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and detention staff, to create a comprehensive support system.
2. Participate in case conferences and collaborate on individualized treatment plans.
3. Advocacy and Outreach:
1. Advocate for the educational and mental health needs of detained youth within the legal and detention systems.

b.       Connect with families to ensure proper access to resources and services within the community.

1. Collaborate with community organizations to create post-release support systems.
1. Documentation and Reporting:
1. Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling sessions, assessments, and interventions.
2. Prepare regular reports on the progress and challenges of detained youth.

8.       Performs other related duties as may be needed or required.

*It's important to note that working in a juvenile detention center may involve additional training, background checks, and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by the students in this environment. The ability to empathize, provide support, and maintain a positive approach is crucial for success in this role. 

1.  Valid PA Secondary School Counselor certification required.  Additional certification in a secondary level subject area or additional certification in a specific field of counseling preferred.
2. Training and demonstrated experience counseling justice involved youth (individually and in groups) in two or more of the following areas:  Drug and Alcohol, Mental Health, Emotional Control, and/or Crisis and Behavioral Management Techniques.
3. Develop, implement and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to successfully transition students back into their school, family and community, with supportive services as needed.

A functional knowledge in the areas of special education, juvenile justice, and child welfare is essential.

1. Knowledge of trauma-informed and trauma-responsive practices, restorative practices and therapeutic crisis management.
2. Knowledge and understanding of social justice theory and the victim cycle of community violence and it relates to students, staff, families and the community.
3. Possesses highly refined communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
4. The systemic knowledge and experience necessary to function as a member of an educational team who works cooperatively with social agencies and school districts.
5. Knowledge of community-based resource agencies and programs.
6. Possesses the professional deportment and customer service sensitivity to represent the AIU and promote its positive image.
7. Organizational skills, initiative, and an ability to work with limited supervision.
8. Understanding of the ASCA National Standards for Guidance Programs.
9. Skilled in the use of Google products, Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, and Outlook. Willingness to experiment and work with new technologies.
10. Such additions and alterations to the above qualifications as the Program Administrator and Board may find appropriate and acceptable.
11. Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
12. Ability to comply with the AIU/Shuman Conduct policy and belief system.