Iowa Substitute School Counselor, 2024-2025 School Year

Position Summary

Working from your secure and distraction-free home office, certified Substitute Counselors will virtually support the learning program for students in Connections Academy schools across the country. Using the telephone, Internet and various curriculum tools, the Substitute Counselor will consult frequently and regularly with students, Learning Coaches and school personnel to ensure that each child successfully completes his/her instructional program. The Iowa Counselor Substitute will act as counselor of record at various Connections Academy schools during periods of short- or long-term absences or vacancies ranging from, but not limited to, 2-20 weeks, with the average assignment being 8-12 weeks in length. This is a part-time position with no benefits.

The duties of a Counselor Substitute include, but are not limited to:

Responsibilities:

• When on assignment, be online and available to students, parents, and school staff Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the time zone of the school to:
  • Communicate with parents, students and teachers on a regular basis to develop and update individualized learning plans and schedules, provide feedback on student work, suggest instructional approaches and strategies, monitor completion of assignments, and verify student learning.
  • Review transcripts and use those to determine appropriate student course placements per school requirements.
  • Support student social-emotional learning through individual and small group sessions.
  • Prepare students for their next steps following graduation.
  • Complete all grading, generate progress reports, and conduct parent conferences in a timely manner, as instructed by the school.
  • Support the instructional program through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous web conferencing sessions (LiveLessons).
  • Support students and parents with alternate instructional strategies and provide assistance with daily assignments and projects.
  • Keep student records and data up to date, including cumulative files, online student and family information, attendance accounting, and student logs.
• When not on assignment, actively check email to remain informed of upcoming assignments and important Substitute Services updates.
• Meet at least monthly with an assigned Substitute Services supervisor via video conferencing software, whether on or off assignment.
• Complete required professional learning targeted at individual needs throughout the year.
• Maintain active certifications.

Requirements:

• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for 2-step authentication.
• Highly qualified and certified to provide school counseling services in Iowa
  • Multiple state certifications a plus
  • Ability to obtain certification in other states as requested
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Maintain a dedicated, distraction-free home working environment where all business activities will occur.
• When on assignment, must be available Monday through Friday during assigned school hours (typically 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the school’s time zone)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment that requires significant flexibility, effective prioritization of tasks, self-direction, and creativity
• Understanding of IEP/504 plans and how they can be implemented in a virtual setting
• Excellent attention to detail, and strong time management and organizational skills
• Proven commitment to student achievement
• Strong technology skills (experience with learning management systems, Microsoft Office programs, and Google Apps preferred)
• Reliable, high-speed internet access
• Microsoft OS- and Microsoft Office-equipped computer required (PC preferred)
• Customer focused approach and team-player track record
• May not provide care for others during normal school hours while on assignment. Alternative care arrangements must be made
• May not be employed in another job during normal school hours while on assignment
• Complete required orientation and training programs within 30 days of hire, and at the beginning of each school year
• Ability to work occasional evening hours, as needed, to support some families

Want to know more about being an educator at Connections Academy? Please join us for a live virtual information session held every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. We hope to see you there!