Virtual School Counseling Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: K-12 School Counselor - Flexible Learning Network (FLN)

Location: City View High School @ Kirkwood / Five Seasons Virtual Academy @ Wilson

Reports To: Executive Director of Student Services and the FLN Head of Schools

Contract: School-Year Contract (as determined by district)

Position Summary

The School Counselor for the Flexible Learning Network (FLN) provides a comprehensive, K-12 school counseling program across both City View Community High School and the Five Seasons Virtual Academy (FSVA). This role is designed for a collaborative problem-solver and relationship-builder who can support students in a competency-based, early college, and virtual learning environment. The counselor helps students navigate diverse educational pathways while ensuring progress toward academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Virtual Academy & Flexible Learning Support

• Provide counseling, academic planning, and graduation support specifically tailored for students in virtual learning environments.
• Monitor student engagement, attendance, and course completion to identify and address barriers to success in virtual settings.
• Develop individualized intervention plans for students at risk of falling behind and support transitions between traditional and virtual educational settings.

2. Comprehensive School Counseling 

• Deliver direct services through a school counseling core curriculum, including instruction and planned group activities that promote academic, career, and social-emotional development.
• Provide individual and small-group counseling focused on short-term, goal-oriented achievement and mental health needs.
• Assist students at all levels with individual student planning, including appraisal of interests/abilities and advisement for goal setting.
• Provide crisis response and assistance to families during emergency situations.

3. Academic Planning & Graduation Support

• Develop and monitor individualized academic plans and conduct regular graduation requirement reviews.
• Support course selection, scheduling, and credit attainment.
• Utilize student data to identify concerns and implement interventions that promote student success.

4. College, Career, and Pathways Planning

• Coordinate comprehensive college and career readiness programming, guiding students and families through admissions, financial aid (FAFSA), and scholarship applications.
• Maintain expertise in diverse pathways, including dual-credit/early college programming with Kirkwood Community College, apprenticeships, military service, and workforce training.

5. Section 504 Coordination

• Serve as the school's Section 504 Coordinator, managing the identification, evaluation, and annual review processes.
• Facilitate 504 meetings and ensure the implementation of accommodations across various educational programs and assessments.

6. Collaboration and Outreach

• Consult and collaborate with families, staff, and community partners to remove barriers to learning.
• Support student recruitment and enrollment for City View and FSVA, representing the programs at district and community events.
• Manage school social media and communications to highlight student achievements and promote the school's mission.
• Willingness and ability to collaborate with homeschool students and families. 

7. Other

• May carry a FLN roster if needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the superintendent and/or their designee.

Qualifications

Credentials:

• MA in School Counseling - Required
• Valid Iowa School Counselor License (with appropriate K-8 and/or 5-12 endorsements for a K-12 scope) - Required
• Valid Iowa Teaching License - Preferred

Characteristics & Mindsets:

• Student-centered and relationship-driven
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building new systems
• Commitment to educational equity and advocating for all students
• Strong philosophy and practices demonstrating support for student-centered learning, trauma-informed care, and positive behavior intervention systems (PBIS)

Experience/Skills:

• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Experience in virtual learning, alternative education, or competency-based environments
• Experience coordinating state and national assessments (ISASP, PSAT, ACT)
• Knowledge of college admissions and postsecondary transitions
• Data-informed decision maker who uses regular analysis to improve programming

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Ability to perform physical demands associated with school counseling, including standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to travel between district sites and attend occasional evening events
• The work environment is typically quiet but requires flexibility for virtual interaction and supervising various student activities