Our Mission

Charles Armstrong School unlocks the unique potential of students with dyslexia and related learning differences, changing the trajectory of their lives.

Position Overview

The Middle School Counselor provides emotional support, both directly and indirectly, for middle school students. The Middle School Counselor collaborates and partners with students, teachers, and families to meet student needs, both individually and within the context of their grade level and school community.

Primary Responsibilities:

Students

• Conduct short-term individual and group counseling.
• Counsel middle school children toward social and emotional growth.
• Guide individuals and groups of students through the development of life skills.
• Educate students on understanding self, specifically their individual strengths and challenges.
• Correspond with outside specialists and agencies, including mandated reporter responsibilities.
• Assist students in dealing with a family crisis (e.g., separation, divorce, death, neglect and abuse, unemployment, substance use disorder).
• Create opportunities for   development of students’ self-esteem and connections with others
• Assist Outdoor Education field trips with students in grades 5-8.

Parents

• Assist parents/guardians in helping students set and achieve goals.
• Refer families to special programs, specialists, and outside agencies, as needed.
• Provide individual parent conferences for students when necessary.
• Conduct parent workshops when necessary or requested.
• Evaluate students and identify need for counseling, complete referrals as needed.
• Serve as consultant to parents/guardians, staff and administration.

Faculty

• Participate in parent-teacher conferences as needed.
• Attend morning grade level meetings.
• Assist in appropriate student referrals.
• Team with Lower and Middle School Directors.
• Team with grade level coaches and other counselors.
• Team with teachers in the creation of behavioral management plans and other student support tools.

Administration

• Work with Director of Teaching and Learning to schedule and coordinate providers who present Sex Education and Drug Education to students.
• Assist with next school placement and provide information on mental health of profiles  for students for high school decisions .
• Inform administration of various student’s needs or issues.
• Participate in, coordinate, and conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the counseling program and school.
• Keep accurate records of all counseling and guidance activities.
• Protect the confidentiality of student records and release personal data in accordance with state laws and Board policies.
• Participate in any applicable crisis intervention for students.
• Establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with faculty, staff and administration to facilitate the provision of optimum guidance and counseling services.
• Pursue continuous professional growth.
• Conduct interviews of prospective students and serve as a member of the Admission Committee.  
• Work with the administration on additional activities as necessary.

Education, Certifications, and Work Related Experience:

• Master’s degree preferred in the field of social work therapy or  counseling.
• PPS, K-12, Credential preferred.
• Experience in providing the services required by this position.  

• Minimum five years counseling, preferably in a school setting with language-based learning differences.

Additional Skills: 

• Demonstrate the ability to work with children of all ages who are dealing with various learning challenges.
• Showcase excellent written and verbal communication skills with students, staff, parents/guardians, administration, and community resource people.
• Possess teaching skills to administer developmental guidance curriculum and to conduct parent workshops.
• Keep records and organize materials and time around duties listed in responsibilities.
• Knowledge of Educational testing, reading Psych ed reports, and familiarity with the IEP process. 

Charles Armstrong School offers:

• Competitive salaries commensurate with experience
• Attractive medical, dental and vision package, 403b plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Team-teaching model
• Instructional coaches
• Professional development program
• Collaborative teaching environment with seasoned professionals

Direct resumes and cover letter to

Hiring Committee

Hiringcommittee@charlesarmstrong.org

(650) 592-7570

Charles Armstrong School

1405 Solana Drive, Belmont, CA 94002

www.charlesarmstrong.org