Classroom Counselor en Seneca Family of Agencies

Are you passionate about supporting students and creating transformative experiences in the classroom? 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Seneca’s Non Public Schools are hiring for a Classroom Counselor to guide grades 2-12 to success at Catalyst Academy in El Sobrante, CA. As a Classroom Counselor you will make a positive impact on transforming the lives of students with emotional and behavioral challenges. In addition, you will promote academic growth and nurture social-emotional well-being.  You will provide individualized attention and direct instruction in core areas to help students make adequate yearly progress on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals while adhering to a general education standards-based curriculum.

ABOUT CATALYST ACADEMY

Seneca's Catalyst Academy is a Nonpublic School in El Sobrante, California, serving students in grades 2–12. We primarily partner with West Contra Costa Unified School District and also support students from nearby districts. Catalyst provides integrated therapeutic and special education services for students with significant mental health and behavioral challenges. Our goal is to help students develop the skills, relationships, and mindsets needed to succeed in school and life. We focus on social, emotional, behavioral, and academic growth in a safe, structured environment. With high standards for learning and a strong emphasis on integrity, respect, and safety, students are supported in making meaningful changes and contributing to their communities.

ABOUT SENECA

Seneca Family of Agencies has been nominated among the Bay Area’s Top Workplaces for nearly a decade. We’re committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities with a network of outstanding mental health, community-based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff and our programs actively engage in conversations and training on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to promote equity and justice for the youth and families we serve.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively within a transdisciplinary team, including teachers, counselors, specialists, and program leadership
• Build therapeutic relationships that help students engage and achieve personalized goals
• Support academic instruction by assisting with individual and group activities as directed
• Implement classroom modifications and accommodations based on student’s individualized education plans (IEP) and other plans
• Deliver direct behavioral intervention that reduces behaviors impeding school success and promotes positive behaviors for learning and community engagement
• Complete required data collection and service documentation to measure the effectiveness of services, inform team decision making, and/or engage in service billing
• Communicate effectively with families and all others involved in the students’ daily life, including other Seneca programs or external agencies
• Utilize crisis communication and de-escalation techniques as per Seneca's crisis response training
• This may include intervening with the students’ behavioral program through physical management 

Qualifications

• Education/Experience requirements:
• Bachelor's degree OR 
• Associate degree and 1 year of applicable experience OR 
• High school diploma/GED and 2 years of applicable experience 
• Applicable experience can include paid or unpaid experience working with youth or families, working in a classroom setting, working in a mental health setting, providing academic support to youth, or providing crisis support to youth
• At least 21 years of age
• Reliable transportation to and from the school site and other occasional meeting locations
• TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state/federal licensing or certification requirements

Schedule

• School based schedule:
• Monday to Friday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM (ability to work occasional flexible schedule when school needs vary)
• This role is 100% working in person at a Seneca location
• 5 weeks of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and 14 paid school break days

Benefits

• Starting at $26.22 - $28.72 per hour
• Actual salary dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualifications
• Salary increases each year 
• Additional compensation provided upon passing a bilingual language proficiency exam 
• Comprehensive employee benefits package:
• Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and fertility coverage
• Short and long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance
• Partially paid premiums for dependents 
• 403b retirement plan
• Employer-Paid Assistance Plan
• 5 weeks of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and 14 paid school break days 
• Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer
• Abundant promotional opportunities across California and Washington
• Specialized training and development opportunities