COUNSELOR FOR ALTERNATIVE LEARNING AND INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

Job Title: ALC Counselor/Drop Out Prevention Coordinator

Reports To: Assistant Superintendent/Alternative Education Director

Employment Status: Full-Time

Job Goal: The Drop Out Prevention Coordinator will play a pivotal role in reducing student dropout rates and ensuring academic success for at-risk students in elementary and secondary schools. This individual will serve as the primary counselor for students in the High School Equivalency Program and Alternative Learning Center, and act as the liaison for students participating in the Western Line Collegiate Academy. The coordinator will collaborate with school staff, parents, and community resources to support student retention and achievement.

Qualifications: Must hold a valid Professional School Counselor license issued by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). Master's degree in School Counseling, Education, or a related field (preferred). Minimum of three years of experience in a counseling or educational setting. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. __Experience working with at-risk student populations is highly desirable.

Counseling and Support: Serve as the primary counselor for students enrolled in the High School Equivalency Program. Provide and/or help coordinate individual and group counseling to alternative education students and at-risk students in elementary and secondary schools, addressing academic, social, and emotional needs. Develop and implement individualized support plans for at-risk students to help them achieve academic success and prevent dropout. Ensure that IIPs for all students placed in the Alternative setting are accurate and up-to date. Coordinate processes for completing handbooks and plans for all related programs district-wide.

Program Coordination: Act as the liaison for students participating in the Middle College Program, ensuring they receive necessary academic and support services. Coordinate with teachers, administrators, and community organizations to create a supportive network for at-risk students in elementary and secondary schools. Monitor and track student progress in the High School Equivalency Program and alternative education programs. Assist in the recruit and enrollment of all related district-wide special programs

Family and Community Engagement: Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to keep them informed of their child's progress and engage them in the educational process. Connect families with community resources and services that can support student success. Organize and facilitate workshops and informational sessions for parents and students on topics related to dropout prevention and academic achievement.

Data Collection and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of student progress and program outcomes. Analyze data to identify trends and areas for improvement in dropout prevention efforts. Prepare and present reports to district leadership on the effectiveness of dropout prevention strategies. Ensures that students in all related programs are on track to meet the necessary requirements for completion.

Professional Development: Stay current with best practices in dropout prevention and counseling. Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge. Provide training and support to school staff on effective strategies for supporting at-risk students.

Additional Duties: Attend relevant district meetings and participate in committees assigned. Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Designee.

Terms of Employment: 220 days a year. Salary to be established by the Board.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.

Counselor for Innovative Programs

Reports to: Principals and Alternative Learning Director

Endorsement Required: Valid Mississippi Educator Certification

Contract Length: 220 Days

Position Overview: The Counselor for Innovative Programs provides comprehensive academic, career, and social emotional support to students participating in non-traditional and innovative educational pathways. This includes Middle College programs, career and technical education opportunities, and work-based learning experiences. The counselor ensures students are supported in accessing, navigating, and successfully completing these programs while preparing for college, careers, and lifelong success.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Student Support & Guidance:

   • Provide individual and group counseling focused on academic planning, career exploration, and social-emotional development.
   • Assist with developing and monitoring individualized student success plans aligned to graduation and postsecondary goals.
   • Track student progress, attendance, and performance; provide timely interventions as needed.

2. Program Coordination:

   • Coordinate student enrollment, orientation, and participation in innovative programs, including middle college, dual enrollment, career pathways, and work-based learning.
   • Serve as a liaison between the school district, postsecondary institutions, and program partners.
   • Assist with scheduling to ensure students meet graduation requirements while participating in innovative opportunities.

3. College & Career Readiness:

   • Guide students in exploring career pathways and postsecondary options.
   • Assist with college applications, scholarships, financial aid, and workforce readiness skills.
   • Support development of employability skills, including resume writing and interview preparation.

4. Collaboration & Communication:

   • Work closely with administrators, teachers, families, and community partners to support student success.
   • Communicate regularly with stakeholders regarding student progress and program expectations.

5. Data Monitoring & Compliance:

   • Maintain accurate student records and ensure compliance with district, state, and federal requirements.
   • Use data to monitor program effectiveness and inform decision-making.

6. Other Duties:

   • Performs such tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as the Principal, ALC Director, or Superintendent may from time to time assign.

Qualifications:

• Valid Mississippi educator license with required counseling endorsement.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills .
• Experience with or willingness to learn: Project-Based Learning (PBL) & Career & Technical Education connections.

Terms of Employment: 220 Days, Salary to be established by the Board.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Personnel.