School Counselor

Company: Spectrum Center Schools and Programs
Location: Santa Ana
Posted on: October 29, 2025

Job Description:

Starting Salary: $68,640 - $75,000 /year based on experience Environment: Special Education Program, Elementary School Spectrum Center Schools and Programs , a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a School Counselor to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction! If you thrive in a dynamic, student-centered, support-focused environment, seek a career with meaningful impact, and possess a compassionate spirit, creative mindset, and unwavering commitment to student success — We Should Talk! As a School Counselor , you are primarily responsible for helping Elementary School students to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally, through individual and group counseling and by collaborating with educators, parents, and other professionals to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment that strengthens connections between home and school. ? Responsibilities Include: Providing individual and group counseling sessions to help resolve interpersonal or family problems that interfere with school performance, including crisis intervention consultation as needed. Conducting interviews with students, family members, and school personnel to gather information required to assess student social, emotional and behavioral adjustment to school and the community. Maintaining regular contact with students' parents/guardians to inform of student's progress, areas of difficulties and any changes or situations in home life that may affect school performance. Developing and updating Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (PBIP) as needed in adherence to company, school, state and federal regulations and procedures. Attending and participating in IEP team meeting, facilitating at the discretion of the school district. Actively participating in other team meetings when necessary to address specific student and parent concerns. Collaborating with education and social services professionals to develop appropriate agency services for students and their families. Providing case management functions for students, which includes but is not limited to, coordination of parent meetings, emergency transportation requests, disciplinary actions such as detention/suspension, and coordination with outside therapists. Collaborating with teachers, parents/guardians, district personnel, and services providers to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems, always establishing and maintaining effective public relations and projecting a positive company image. Ensuring the use of positive teaching methods by conducting monthly climate data through direct observation of classroom staff's implementation of IEP goals and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans. Providing guidance, consultation, and assistance to Teachers in the development of classroom schedules, maintenance of student data systems and facilitation of student transition plans to assure appropriate curriculum, schedule, and services, based on each student's IEP and other applicable goals. Assessing student progress through consistent review of classroom data collection and recording systems and providing applicable training and guidance to classroom staff accordingly to address student needs. Functioning as a role model for effective teaching of students as well as for communication and problem solving with staff, reinforcing the School's emphasis on behavior analytic, empirical approach to education, the extensive use of data in decision making, and the use of positive reinforcement to achieve maximum performance when working with students and co-workers. ? Qualifications Required: Bachelor’s degree or higher in educational counseling, therapy, social work or a closely related field of study. Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining one or more of the following credentials: LMFT | LMHC | LPC | LPCC | LEP | NCSC | LCSW | LMSW | DCSW | LCSW-R | C-SSWS Other state credential authorizing provision of school-based counseling may be considered in lieu of licensure. Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a special education credential preferred. Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with autism related disabilities, emotional disturbance and/or challenging behaviors. Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data-based decision making, functional behavior assessment (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP's). Proven success in developing and implementing effective treatment plans for students with diverse needs, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting. Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals. Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions. Advanced oral and written communication, instruction, curriculum, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision making ability. Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment. Spectrum Center Schools is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education , the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 45 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives ! Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below: https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Y our path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education! ? Perks and Benefits Include: Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance Company Paid Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts Personal Protection Insurance Plans Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program Legal Services Insurance Pet Health Insurance Accrual-based Paid Time Off School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy 401k Retirement Saving Plan Perks at Work Employee Discount Program Opportunities for Growth & Development And So Much More! If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance ! Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential! Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose. Copyright © 2025 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status. Education Required Bachelors or better in Educational Counseling or related field Licenses & Certifications Required Any of the following: Counselor - LMFT Counselor - LMHC Counselor - LEP Counselor - LPCC Counselor - LPC Counselor - NCSC Social Worker - LCSW Social Worker - DCSW Social Worker - LMSW Social Worker - LCSW-R Skills Required Special Education Elementary Education Counseling & Guidance Social School Work Teacher Mentoring/Training Individualized Education Programs (IEP) Behavior Intervention Plans - BIP Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Performance Motivation Crisis Intervention Behavioral Disorders Learning Disabilities Autism Student Development Working With At-Risk Students Record Keeping & Reporting Problem Solving Attention to Detail Communication Interdepartmental Collaboration Interpersonal Skills Computer Skills Behaviors Preferred Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject Motivations Preferred Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization Equal Opportunity Employer This 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.

Keywords: Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, Santa Ana , School Counselor, Education / Teaching , Santa Ana, California