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Job description
Description
nSchool Summary
nGeorgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades K-12 throughout Georgia. The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options. The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED, and GACA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.
nGeorgia Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
nPosition Summary
nWorking from our office in Duluth, Georgia, or from your home in Georgia, the High School Counselor will assist students and parents/learning coaches with course selection, scheduling and will be the initial point of contact for student concerns that span multiple subject areas as well as non-academic issues. All GACA staff must be able to participate in monthly in-person activities, including but not limited to:
nnnSchool and department meetings,
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nnStudent engagement opportunities,
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nnRequired training/development,
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nnSchool-level events, such as state testing and graduation.
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n nThe High School Counselor will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:
nnnAssist students and families with successful transition into the program;
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nnWork with a diversity of students with special needs, including students with section 504 plans
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nnFollow up with students and families to ensure that they are staying on track and fulfilling the requirements of our school;
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nnBuild relationships with students and families through email, phone calls, and in person when necessary;
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nnProactively be able to troubleshoot and problem solve student and family issues and understand the proper channels of communication;
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nnWork with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources;
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nnAdvise students and families related to academics, early college and career planning
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nnAssist students and parents with the school course selection process according to specific state credit requirements, postsecondary plans and student needs and interests;
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nnAdvise students with issues related to dropping courses and changing schedules, seeking support as needed, while ensuring that the school’s course selection and drop policies are adhered to;
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nnImplement programs for students and families related to interpersonal adjustment issues;
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nnParticipate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans for the school and serve as a key member of a multidisciplinary support team;
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nnReport and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as obligated by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards. Stay abreast of all state regulations relating to incident reporting and documentation;
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nnAssist teachers when students enroll mid-semester, making sure that teachers receive guidance on integrating the students into their coursework, and ensuring that previous grades, credits, and evaluations are handled appropriately; And other duties as assigned.
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n nEssential Responsibilities: Instruction & Academic Support
nnnSupport high-quality synchronous instruction and asynchronous resources aligned to GACA curriculum and state standards.
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nnSupport differentiated Tier 1 instruction and collaborate within the MTSS/RTI model to plan and deliver Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
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nnCollaborate effectively with teachers and support staff to ensure all student accommodations are implemented with fidelity and aligned to individualized learning needs.
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nnUse assessment data to support student learning needs and instruction, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to ensure growth.
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nnMaintain deep knowledge of assigned courses and general awareness of K–12 curriculum pathways.
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n nStudent & Family Engagement
nnnBuild strong, positive relationships with students and families to support academic success and engagement.
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nnSupport parent conferences and Personal Learning Plans, and communicate regularly regarding progress, attendance, and needs.
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nnSupport students with alternate lessons, assessments, and targeted instructional strategies to meet individualized learning goals.
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n nAssessment & Accountability
nnnSupport formative and summative assessments, including monthly progress monitoring, CFAs, and EOCs where applicable.
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nnParticipate in all required Georgia state standardized assessments in-person and virtual sessions, including Georgia Milestones, ACCESS, Georgia Alternative Assessment, etc., in addition to End-of-Pathway, benchmarks, CFAs, and diagnostic assessments.
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nnMaintain accurate records of attendance, communication logs, academic progress, and intervention documentation.
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n nCollaboration & Professional Practice
nnnWork collaboratively within the Professional Learning Community to monitor data, plan instruction, and ensure student success.
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nnPartner with Teachers, Special Education staff, and team members to meet student needs and ensure strong communication loops.
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nnSupport social, engagement, and community-building activities—both virtual and in-person—to cultivate belonging for students and families.
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nnAttend required school and district professional development and pursue ongoing growth in instructional practice.
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n nCommunity Engagement & School Support
nnnAssist in the organization and facilitation of school-wide events (graduation, field trips, engagement activities).
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nnParticipate in student recruitment efforts, marketing events, and family orientations as needed.
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nnSupport the creation of a positive, inclusive virtual school culture through consistent communication, engagement, and community-building practices.
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nnPerform other duties as assigned to support school operations, strategic initiatives, and student success.
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n nEssential Skills & Competencies
nnnStrong commitment to equitable practice, high expectations, and individualized student support
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nnAbility to use data to inform instruction and intervention
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nnExcellent communication and relationship-building skills
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nnEffective collaboration within virtual and in-person teams
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nnStrong organizational skills and timely completion of all required documentation
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nnComfort with technology-based instruction and virtual learning tools
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nnFlexibility, problem-solving ability, and a student-centered mindset
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n nQUALIFICATIONS:
nMasters Degree or higher in Counselor Education/School Counseling (from an accredited institution)
nCERTIFICATION/LICENSE
nGeorgia Clearance Certificate
nGeorgia Service Certificate in School Counseling
nRequirements
nnnPossess a Georgia School Counseling certification
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nnMust have a Clearance Certificate through the Department of Education or be able to obtain one within the first 30 days of the first day of hire.
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nnStrong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite)
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nnExcellent communication skills, both oral and written
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nnHighly organized and punctual
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nnStudent and family-focused approach
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nnExperience in teaching or supporting Title I schools
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nnHigh degree of flexibility
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nnDemonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
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nnTeam player track record
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nnStrong interpersonal skills, which include the ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
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nnWillingness to travel for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)
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nnAbility to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families
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nnMust be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication
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n nEqual Opportunity Employer
nThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights ( notice from the Department of Labor.
Worksite address
duluth, GA, 30155, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.