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RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
INTERNAL / EXTERNAL POSTING

Position: High School Guidance / Academic Counselor

Location: River Valley Middle High School
Work Schedule: 190 work days (aligned to teacher contract with additional summer

                                    responsibilities)
Reports To:              Building Principal
FLSA Status:           Exempt

High School Guidance / Academic Counselor

The High School Guidance / Academic Counselor provides comprehensive support to students in the areas of academic planning, college and career readiness, social-emotional development, and assessment coordination. This position serves students in grades 6–12 and plays a key leadership role in scheduling, testing, and data reporting.

Working in partnership with students, staff, families, and community organizations, the counselor ensures students remain on track for graduation and are well-prepared for postsecondary success. In alignment with the River Valley Strategic Plan, this role promotes student-centered decision-making, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, and upholds the district’s belief in collaboration and high expectations for all learners.

As the 6–12 District Assessment Coordinator, the counselor oversees all aspects of required state and local assessments, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strategic use of data to support student learning. This position embodies the River Valley Strategic Plan’s values of integrity, responsibility, kindness, respect, innovation and determination by coordinating systems that drive student achievement and growth.

Furthermore, the counselor demonstrates the district's commitment to proactive, two-way communication and to engaging the broader school community in supporting student success. By nurturing strong relationships and advocating for student well-being, this role helps actualize the mission to engage, empower, and elevate the potential of every student.

It is mutually understood that this is a salaried, professional position. As such, the responsibilities of the role may require time beyond the regular workday to plan, prepare, and respond to the needs of students and staff. This may include, but is not limited to, communication outside of school hours and critical incident response when necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Planning and Support

Guide students in developing and monitoring four-year educational plans (EDP) aligned with graduation requirements and individual goals
Support students in updating these plans annually based on academic progress, interests, and postsecondary aspirations
Collaborate with the assistant principal and scheduler on course planning, balancing student needs with staffing and curriculum offerings
Monitor academic progress and intervene when students fall behind in credits or core coursework
Assist with credit recovery, dual enrollment, and virtual learning options
Provide consultation on 504 plans and general education academic accommodations
Maintain consistent and proactive communication with families and staff to support student academic growth
Support the implementation of the Youth Solutions Foundation initiative and integrate its strategies into daily counseling and engagement efforts

Scheduling

Assist in the development of the master schedule in consultation with the principal and assistant principal
Review the course records of all students in grades 6–12 and schedule all students using PowerSchool
Prepare yearly credit audits for all high school students
Schedule and enroll students in credit recovery courses as needed
Manage and monitor the district’s credit recovery program through Edgenuity
Coordinate virtual courses, assign supervising teachers in consultation with the MHS principal, monitor student progress, and meet with students and staff as necessary
Coordinate special student enrollments through programs such as dual enrollment, CTE, the Math and Science Center, Early Middle College, and work-based learning opportunities
Responsible for organizing personal curriculums for students along with the personal curriculum process that has been laid out by the River Valley School District and in cooperation with the general education department and the special education department

Assessment and Data Coordination

Serve as the Assessment Coordinator for grades 6–12, responsible for planning, organizing, administering, reporting, and monitoring all local and state assessments
Manage testing logistics for the following assessments:
- NWEA (Reading and Math)
- M-STEP
- PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10
- SAT
- ACT WorkKeys
- Additional state or local assessments as required
Train and support staff in proper test administration procedures
Ensure compliance with test security, timing protocols, and accommodations
Submit required reports to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and maintain organized testing records
Collaborate with technology staff and test vendors to ensure secure and functional digital testing environments
Maintain transparent and timely communication regarding testing schedules and outcomes with relevant stakeholders

College and Career Readiness

Provide individual and group counseling sessions on college exploration, admissions, and financial aid
Assist students with the completion of college applications, FAFSA, and scholarships
Coordinate visits from college representatives, military recruiters, and industry professionals
Guide students in developing career interests through assessments, Xello or other career platforms, and personal inventories
Help students explore skilled trades, apprenticeships, and alternative postsecondary options
Collaborate with the CTE director, dual enrollment, early middle college, and local employers to support work-based learning opportunities
Promote two-way engagement with students and families to ensure informed postsecondary decision-making

Personal and Social-Emotional Support

Provide short-term counseling and crisis support for students dealing with stress, family concerns, interpersonal conflict, or mental health needs
Refer students to school-based or external mental health resources when appropriate
Support school employees who are mandated reporters and collaborate with school leadership in supporting student emotional and physical safety.
Support positive behavioral interventions and school-wide SEL initiatives that align with the district’s commitment to continuous improvement

Family and Staff Collaboration

Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about student progress, academic standing, and postsecondary planning through multiple accessible formats
Attend and assist IEPs, 504 meetings, and student support team meetings when academic or postsecondary concerns are discussed
Provide training and resources to staff on topics related to graduation requirements, mental health, and career exploration
Collaborate with the MTSS team to identify and support at-risk students using consistent, two-way communication strategies

Schoolwide Leadership

Assist in the development and implementation of school counseling goals in alignment with the Michigan Model Guidance Curriculum and River Valley’s Strategic Plan
Serve as the school liaison to local scholarship foundations, community partners, and dual enrollment institutions
Lead initiatives that promote a positive school culture, such as student recognition programs or career fairs
Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate ethical behavior consistent with ASCA and MACAC standards
Model engagement practices that foster strong, trusting relationships throughout the school community

Qualifications

Required:

Master’s Degree in School Counseling or related field
Valid Michigan School Counselor License or Temporary Authorization
Demonstrated knowledge of Michigan Merit Curriculum, NCAA eligibility, and state graduation requirements
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
Proficiency in using student information systems (PowerSchool, MiStar, etc.) and college planning tools (e.g., Xello, Naviance)
Ability to work with diverse learners and adapt to individual student needs

Preferred:

Prior experience in a 9–12 school setting
Familiarity with MiSSG/FAFSA, CLEP/AP credit systems, and local workforce development resources
Training in trauma-informed care, Restorative Practices, and mental health first aid

Terms of Employment

Salary in accordance with the district teacher salary schedule and applicable counselor stipends
Full benefits package including retirement, medical, dental, and vision
Reports to work consistent with the teacher calendar plus additional summer hours for student scheduling and postsecondary support

Application Procedure

All applicants must apply through the Red Rover Online Application System

https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/RVSD

Please upload a letter of interest, résumé, transcripts, Michigan Certification, three professional reference letters, and any other relevant materials.

For questions, contact: Kelly Netzley, Assistant Principal at (269) 756-7800
Email: knetzley@rivervalleyschools.org

Date of Posting: May 21, 2025 Deadline Date: Until Filled

The River Valley School District Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, “Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against or denied equal opportunity or access to the District’s programs, activities, or services may contact the District, 15480 Three Oaks Road, Three Oaks, MI 49128, 269-756-9541.

www.rivervalleyschools.org

High School Guidance/Academic Counselor