School Counselor (6-8) (25-26 SY)

Who We Are

Since its founding in 2010, Challenge Preparatory Charter School (Challenge Prep) has provided students and families with a successful academic program in Far Rockaway, Queens. We currently serve over 1200 scholars from Kindergarten to 12th grade across 3 sites. Our school’s mission is to prepare students from the greater Far Rockaway community to excel academically, to demonstrate mastery of the NY State Learning Standards, and to achieve their career aspirations. Challenge cultivates and supports the intellectual, aesthetic, social, emotional, and ethical development of its students and prepares them to be responsible 21st century citizens. To accomplish its mission, Challenge offers a rigorous instructional program in a safe, supportive, technology-infused and data-enriched and social-emotional learning sequence, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework. It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites, and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.

Understanding the Role

The school counselor will work with all constituencies of the school community to create an environment of social-emotional support for every student. The school counselor will oversee the mandated counseling schedule, program students individually to ensure they are on the appropriate path of academic and social emotional success. It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars. This role reports directly to the Principal and is supported by the Director of Pupil and Personnel Services.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Serious consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate in their resume experience and/or willingness to commit to the school’s mission and core beliefs and will be responsible to:
• Counsel students, individually and in groups, regarding academic readiness, discipline-related guidance issues, social and emotional development, conflict mediation, and making appropriate referrals
• Teaches guidance classes and provides guidance counseling to students through planned activities in small group or classroom settings to convey educational, social and important school information and offers workshops/seminars for parents
• Collaborate with teachers and the school-based support team on implementing behavior intervention plans to support the academic, social and emotional development of students, and collaborating with the elementary leadership team on disciplinary decisions, understanding student behaviors, and knowledge of the CPCS discipline code
• Participates on the Child Study Team, identifies students who may need targeted or intensive services, and coordinates with the elementary leadership team
• Identify and make appropriate referrals to meet and support students academic, social, and/or mental health needs meetings to address teacher recommendations for individual students’ needs
• Participate in regular faculty development and being involved in collaborating on the school’s guidance program
• Communicates, coordinates, and collaborates with the elementary leadership team on developing and implementing student supports
• Supports and attends appropriate student activities and events
• Advocate for scholars at IEP meetings and other student-focused meetings
• Use data analysis to identify student issues, needs, and challenges
• Act as a systems changes agent to improve equity and access, achievement and opportunities for all students

Skills, Qualifications, And Or Competencies Required

• Evidence of success in forming successful partnerships with community-based organizations and other organizations that offer social and emotional supports to students
• Willingness to carry out the above duties and responsibilities as well as evidence of successful counseling strategies regarding academic readiness, discipline-related guidance issues, social and emotional development, conflict mediation, crisis intervention, and willingness to offer leadership to staff around these areas
• Knowledge of and experience with contemporary issues that affect children living in high poverty communities and provide strategies to staff in promoting social and emotional competence throughout the building
• Commitment to developing professional goals and objectives in collaboration with the administration that will monitor progress and assess effectiveness in enhancing student development and achievement
• Success in working collaboratively with colleagues, parents/caregivers and partners
• Ability to retrieve, organize, and report student data using chosen SIS
• Licensed and certified Guidance Counselor with satisfactory ratings and attendance
• Minimum of three (3) years of satisfactory guidance experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, both written and oral, effectively
• Strong teamwork ethic

Benefits And Perks

• Employees at Challenge Preparatory Charter School are provided with a generous salary. Our salaries are highly competitive, set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills and experiences relevant to the role
• As a regular full-time employee of Challenge Prep, you will be eligible for benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match and Paid Family Leave
• We also offer flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care, and transit
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning
• Professional development: weekly PD, year-round training, and the ongoing coaching by professionals

School Sites

Grades 6-8: 15-20 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Selection Process

Phase I - Virtual Interview with the HR Recruiter

Phase II - Demo, Panel Interview, and Interview with the Senior Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning 6-12

Final - Reference Check, Offer, and Contract

Work Year

This full-time position begins in mid-August and goes through the end of June.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Challenge Charter School is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, particularly in the Far Rockaway area, and committed to educating students. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our relentless work. Challenge Charter School offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Learn more about our mission, team, and the exciting things happening at Challenge by visiting

The salary is based on your year(s) of NYS elementary counseling experience and education.