Full-Time School Counselor at The Autism Center

The Villages Charter School Autism Center is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of students on the autism spectrum. The center supports students' academic, social, and emotional development through a combination of individualized instruction, specialized programs, and targeted therapies provided by our highly trained staff. Through incorporating principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), students will receive the support they need in a nurturing educational environment focused on individualized learning and growth.

The Villages Charter School Autism Center, LLC (TVCS AC) is a subsidiary of The Villages Charter School, Inc., which operates by a charter agreement approved by the Sumter County Board of Education and the Florida State Department of Education. Both The Villages Charter School (“VCS”) and The Villages Charter School Autism Center, LLC (TVCS AC) are Charter in the Workplace schools (see also School of Choice) founded primarily for the benefit of the children of employees of The Villages of Lake-Sumter, Inc. and those Business Partners who have in the past and continue to participate in the development of The Villages. Unlike traditional county schools, our enrollment criteria is based upon the place of employment of one of the parents/guardians rather than the geographic address of their home.

The Autism Center is located on the Buffalo Ridge campus, serving PreK-8th-grade students, offering a comprehensive support system tailored to each child's unique needs through a collaborative approach involving passionate educators, therapists, behavioral specialists, and families.

DESCRIPTION:

The Villages Charter School Autism Center is accepting applications for a School Counselor . Applicants must complete The Villages Charter School Autism Center online application. For the application to be complete, you must also include copies of all transcripts, a copy of the Florida Professional Certificate or “Statement of Eligibility” from the Florida Department of Education, a copy of your resume, and letters of recommendation.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

To provide an educational atmosphere in which students will move toward the fulfillment of their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and psychological growth and maturation in accordance with the mission and goals of The Villages Charter School Autism Center and the District.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The expectations include the following and other duties as assigned:

• Work with students on an individual basis and in small groups to solve personal problems related to home and family relations, health, and emotional adjustments, academics, attendance, and discipline.
• Offers immediate emotional support and stabilization during traumatic events or personal emergencies.
• Collaborate with BCBAs regarding student behavior and emotional needs.
• May schedule students new to the school and orient them to school procedures and the school's varied opportunities for learning.
• Maintain student records and maintain confidentiality.
• Discover and develop the special abilities of students.
• Organize conferences with parents whenever necessary.
• Interprets the guidance program to the community.
• Provides guidance services training for teachers and staff.
• Advise administrators and faculty on the matters of student discipline.
• Participates in workshops and other in-service activities.
• Accepts a share of responsibility for co/extracurricular activities if assigned.
• Attends and takes part in faculty meetings.
• Assist in supervision and control of all students during workday and during emergency conditions as assigned by the principal.
• Help to carry out and to administer state and county testing completed during the school day.
• Provides developmental guidance for each classroom.
• Screen and refer students for attendance problems.
• Coordinates the efforts of the school, special services, and community resources in providing for the needs of pupils.
• Works with the Principal and the administrative team in evaluating the advisory and remedial programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master's Degree or higher from an accredited educational institute.
• One to Two years of related experience and/or training
• Must hold or be eligible for certification by the State of Florida in School Counseling (Grades PK-12).
• Such additional or alternative qualifications to the above as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to manipulate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

211 days – Exempt. Benefits shall be paid consistent with the TVCS AC policy. Length of the work year and hours of employment are those established by the Board.

All prospective employees will be required to be fingerprinted through the Clearinghouse, instructions provided when hired. If you have questions regarding the Clearinghouse, please see https://info.flclearinghouse.com/.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the TVCS AC policy on evaluations of personnel.