Title: Guidance & Support Specialist, MS/HS
Reports to: Director of Student Services
Position Overview:
In alignment with Providence Academy’s mission for students to think and live in a manner that brings glory to God, the Guidance and Support Specialist provides spiritual, social, and emotional support from a Biblical perspective, enriching students’ overall development during their time at PA.
This role is intentionally unlicensed by the state, allowing it to operate fully within PA’s mission, statement of faith, and values. As such, the Guidance and Support Specialist does not diagnose, treat, or provide therapy. Instead, the Specialist offers individual support, delivers whole-group instruction, assists in crisis situations, consults with staff and parents, and serves as a resource for social, emotional, and spiritual wellness. When students require ongoing or intensive therapy, the Specialist will connect families with appropriate community professionals.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in counseling or related field; master's degree preferred.
Counseling experience required; experience in a Christian school setting preferred.
Ability to provide Biblically based guidance primarily to students in grades 6–12, but also to students PK-5 when Elementary Guidance and Support is unavailable.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Strong teamwork and community-oriented skills.
Born-again Christian who knows the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23), views the Bible as the inerrant, infallible, and inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16), and demonstrates high moral character and reliable attendance.
Primary Responsibilities
Family Support & Communication
Partner with parents to provide individualized support for students.
Conduct parent follow-up via phone, email, or meetings as needed.
Provide parents with relevant resources (e.g., AXIS guides, suicide-proofing your home materials).
Facilitate parent education sessions (e.g., sexual education/discipleship, yearly parent education event) including marketing, promotion, communication, and logistics.
Collaboration & Meetings
5. Consult with teachers, staff, and administration regarding student needs.
6. Participate in Student Services team meetings on a quarterly basis.
7. Attend bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with the Director of Student Services.
8. Assist with orientation events.
9. Attend annual retreats (e.g., High School Doe River Gorge retreat).
Documentation & Reporting
10. Maintain detailed records, including Ticket System documentation, incident reports, and DCS referrals.
11. Respond to Guidance and Support tickets in a timely manner.
12. Provide monthly board report summaries.
Crisis Response & Referrals
13. Respond to crisis situations; coordinate with Mobile Crisis and/or Telehelp as appropriate.
14. Recommend and track community referrals; stay current with local community resources.
15. Network with community providers to evaluate fit for PA’s faith-based mission and maintain the community resource sheet.
Program Development & Professional Growth
16. Research, plan, and deliver whole-group instruction aligned with PA’s mission.
17. Collaborate on policy development and updates.
18. Pursue continuing education, including maintaining ACSI certification.
19. Perform other duties as assigned.
Summer Responsibilities: Support preparation for the upcoming school year, completing assigned tasks within approved work hours.
Terms of Employment:
10 Month Position + Approved Summer Hours
Part-time, not to exceed 15 hours/week
Pay per negotiated agreement.
Evaluation: Annually, by Director of Student Services
