The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.

Position Summary

The Austin Centers is a state-certified special education school for kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) special needs students ranging in age from five to twenty-two. We were established to provide an environment in which the pursuit of instructional effectiveness and learning is valued for students with emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism or pervasive developmental delays, specific learning disabilities, and other educational challenges. We are looking for a Licensed Counselor to join our Team!

Summary

At the Austin Centers, the School Counselor plays an essential role in the success of our students. It is the responsibility of the school counselor to provide services to students in order to facilitate academic, personal/social, and career competencies. The counselor will work with students, staff, families, and members of the community as an integral part of the education program. The counselor will promote school success for all students by providing academic advisement, prevention and intervention activities.

Essential Functions 

• Develop and monitor intervention strategies to increase academic success
• Assist with conflict resolution and anger management
• Help students develop appropriate social interaction skills
• Provide individual and group counseling
• Provide crisis intervention
• Work with parents to facilitate support for academic and behavioral improvements
• Assist parents in accessing and utilizing school and community resources
• May facilitate special interest programs (i.e. support groups, parenting groups)
• Assess students with mental health concerns
• Provide staff training and information to better understand factors affecting student behavior
• Develop in-service training as needed
• Assist teachers with behavior management and provide direct in-class support as needed
• Attend IEP meetings as needed
• Skilled in positive behavior interventions and strategies, restorative practices and trauma informed practices
• Build strong relationships with students, staff and families

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

• Ability to work in a school-based therapeutic environment serving students with emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs
• Experience providing individual and small-group counseling to children and/or adolescents
• Strong collaboration skills with teachers, administrators, and related service providers

Education/Certification/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree, required, Masters’ Degree, preferred, in Social Work or Counseling
• Must hold State Counselor License (LPC, LPC-Candidate, LCSW, LMSW, LAC)
• 1 year experience as a counselor or social worker in a school setting.
• Must hold School Counselor Endorsement or SSP Certificate or TEE Certificate

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance

#IND1

Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!