REAL Journey Academies (RJA) is a non-profit charter school management organization designed to significantly increase college entrance and graduation rates for underserved students in the Inland Empire. We aim to impact and revitalize communities through the development of education and other supportive partnerships.

Job Purpose:

The RJA Director of Counseling Services will design, coordinate implementation and monitor a comprehensive guidance program for grades TK-12; monitor the implementation of school guidance programs; confer with staff to provide feedback for essential program improvements; develop and coordinate in-service activities and workshops; manage an operating budget for the division; provide leadership in the evaluation and selection of instructional materials and equipment to support the guidance program; develop and maintain liaisons with institutions of higher education, community service agencies, businesses and government; and, interpret the guidance program to key stakeholders, staff and community.

The RJA Director of Counseling Services reports directly to the Chief Academic Officer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess needs for guidance services that will enable students to achieve their full potential in the educational program, grades TK-12.

• Establish a guidance program, philosophy, goals and objectives for each educational level (elementary, middle, and high school), along with models for the delivery of services.

• Design and develop a program and make regular improvements to assure high quality services at all levels.

• Evaluate the guidance program regularly, plan for and carry out improvements.

• Ensure compliance with state and federal requirements relevant to guidance and counseling, personalization or comprehensive counseling.

• Disseminate information and provide training for school personnel regarding trends in college placement, technology education and employment opportunities.

• Disseminate information and provide training for school personnel regarding trends in social-emotional learning and restorative practices.

• Develop reports and other communications to apprise the Chief Academic Officer, staff, students and the public of guidance services and progress.

• Develop and justify the annual budget request and strategic plans to make the best use of available resources, to implement the most cost-effective and beneficial strategies to accomplish the mission of the department and to assure that the system for reporting and accountability is established and implemented. Supervise the appropriate allocation of staff and resources.

• Direct and/or personally conduct a continuing review and appraisal of program policies, procedures and operation to determine adequacy of the guidance and counseling program in meeting school district objectives and the needs of the students and parents.

• Establish policies, procedures and methods for obtaining information and evaluation programs, utilizing information for nationwide programs as a base of reference in the development and implementation of plans for new or modified practices.

• Ensure compliance of initiatives and operations in accordance with established guidance and counseling standards and priorities and criteria of REAL Journey Academies.

• Provide insight into problem areas in the guidance and counseling programs, determine resolutions and supervise the coordination of remedial action.

• Gather, review and analyze data reports. Develop reports that outline the status of the guidance and counseling program and the program's compliance with organizational, legislative, statutory and active grant requirements.

• Collaborate with a variety of parents, non-profit organizations, professional groups, private institutions, colleges and universities to provide a seamless web of support for students. Establish networks among guidance counselors, teachers, conflict resolution facilities and college/career counselors.

• Represent RJA at assigned activities including media events, conferences, hearings, school and community based activities, etc.

• Establish and maintain liaison with State and County education officials on matters concerning counseling programs.

• Design, coordinate and facilitate professional development relevant to guidance and counseling; including acting as facilitator of a related Professional Learning Community.

• Act as a resource person to assist local school counselors and administrators with special cases.

• Conduct workshops for students, faculties, parents and community groups as needed.

• Other Leadership responsibilities, as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• California Certification in School Counseling.

• Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling.

• Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in counseling, strongly preferred.

• Training and/or experience with Culturally Relevant Education, Restorative Practices and social-emotional learning, strongly preferred.

Physical demands:

• Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

• Occasional or frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time.

• Occasional computer work including but not limited to typing.

Compensation & Benefits:

• This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated educator to assume a fundamental role in an innovative school environment.

• REAL Journey Academies offers its employees a competitive salary, commensurate with experience. We pride ourselves in offering a competitive benefits package that covers full benefits (medical, dental, vision, and life) as well as voluntary benefits, paid time off, and a 403b and/or 457b Savings Plan.