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Nexus School   (formerly known as ACCA)

Beyond The Classroom.  Into The World.

 

VACANCY: SCHOOL COUNSELOR (25-26)

POSITION AT A GLANCE

Opening: School Counselor 

Contract Length: 180 days

Pay: $40,000-$57,130 (Board-adopted schedule, commensurate with experience and education)

About Us

Nexus Mission

At Nexus, our mission is to empower learners to grow through: personalizing learning experiences that blend online and in-person instruction, cultivating knowledge, developing essential skills, and preparing them for success in the real world.

Nexus School Description

We are a blended learning dropout prevention and recovery (DOPR) public charter school in Ashland, Ohio. Since we opened our doors in 2008, we have provided at-risk youth in grades 7-12 with pathways to success and graduation. We hold a rating of EXCEEDS STANDARDS for DOPR school in the state of Ohio. 


 

As a blended learning school, we use a combination of in-person learning, online learning (both synchronous and asynchronous), and work-based learning to provide an education filled with opportunities for students to build knowledge, skills, and real-world experiences. We offer core academics, electives, credit recovery, and career-technical education.

What Makes Nexus Unique

By design, we are small compared to traditional high schools, with a ratio of about 5:1 student to full staff ratio. This allows us to effectively work with students in ways that larger, more impersonal high schools cannot. 

You will work differently at Nexus. Our teachers work 180-day contracts. And, given our blended learning educational program, blended learning days allow for a variety of work options, including remote, in the community, and of course, in the school building. 

About the Opportunity

Job Description

This opening is for a school counselor for the 2025-2026 school year. The School Counselor's primary role is to support students with any barriers hindering their progress as they work towards completing their high school diploma. This Position will collaborate and consult with teachers, administrators, and other school personnel in providing them with strategies, support, and resources that will contribute to the student's success.

 

Following the Ohio Standards for School Counselors, the Nexus School Counselor will address the needs of all students by facilitating their academic, personal/social, and career development as well as helping create a positive and safe learning experience. At the same time, the School Counselor will assist students as they face issues and resolve problems that prevent their healthy development. Counseling support is delivered through the following components: Guidance Curriculum, Individual Planning, Responsive Services, Referral, Consultation, and Collaboration.

Job Duties

Personal/Social 

  • Provide counseling and mentoring for students struggling with social and emotional problems
  • Work with school personnel and community agencies to provide support services to behaviors that interfere with school success
  • Reinforce executive functioning skills, such as but not limited to communication and social skills, problem solving, anger management, self-regulation, optimism, and resilience
  • Enhance understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures and backgrounds
  • Provide referrals to community support services
  • Cultivate relationships with community organizations
  • Respond to crises by providing direct services and coordination with appropriate community services
  • Record progress and information in the student information database

Academics

  • Support student skills, attitudes, and knowledge that contribute to effective learning
  • Assist students in developing strategies to achieve success in school
  • Assist students in understanding the relationship of academics to careers, life at home, and in the community
  • Design and implement interventions that support student success
  • As part of a multidisciplinary team, review eligibility for special education services

Postsecondary & Career Exploration

  • Encourage all students to engage in life-long learning and develop career paths
  • Provide the foundation for the acquisition of skills, attitudes, and knowledge that empowers students to make a successful transition from school to career
  • Provide a comprehensive plan of career awareness, exploration, and preparation
  • Support postsecondary opportunities through presentations and special events (e.g. guest speakers, college fairs) 
  • Facilitate college admission and financial aid workshops for students and parents
  • Assist with local, state, and federal testing administration and proctoring
  • Develop and maintain relationships with local colleagues and employment programs
  • Record progress and information in the student information database

Student Retention

  • Support the use of Blended Learning in helping students and teachers build successful academic experiences
  • Understand learning styles and the implications of each learning style in relation to students' educational experience
  • Apply knowledge of various counseling techniques to improve and support student retention

Counseling Program & School-Wide Collaboration

  • Adhere to Ohio Standards for School Counselors
  • Implement school-wide programs that help maintain positive school climates, such as PBIS
  • Promote school policies and practices that ensure the safety of all students by reducing school violence, bullying, and harassment
  • Participate in staff meetings, professional development, graduation, and school activities
  • Complete other counseling related tasks and duties as directed by the Principal to support teachers and collaborate with Administrators, Student Retention, Teachers and other staff to promote student success and retention
  • Record progress and information in the student information database
  • Submit reports as due or requested
  • Administrative duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned or changed from time to time

About You

Working at Nexus will likely be different from any other school or agency you’ve worked for. Moreover, not everyone will be cut out to work at Nexus, so here’s what we are looking for in an ideal candidate. 

Knowledge & Skills

  • Proven expertise in counseling and teaching techniques: Demonstrated ability to effectively guide and support student learning and development.
  • Strong knowledge of graduation pathways: In-depth understanding of Ohio's graduation requirements and student pathways.
  • Exceptional adult social-emotional learning (SEL) skills: Demonstrated cultural awareness, competence in SEL, and effective approaches to prevention, intervention, and de-escalation.
  • Experience in scheduling and program development: Ability to assist in building master schedules, courses, and program offerings.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills: Proven ability to effectively communicate with students, parents, staff, and external stakeholders.
  • Adaptability and problem-solving skills: Ability to adapt to change, prioritize tasks, and effectively handle challenging situations, and apply critical and creative thinking to solve problems or improve practice.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion: Ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and with varying learning styles and abilities, including those with special needs.
  • Deep understanding of student information systems (SIS): Experience with systems such as Student Information, ProgressBook, Otus, SameGoal, PowerSchool, etc.
  • Proficient in online learning platforms: Expertise in learning management systems like Canvas, OdysseyWare, etc.

 

Credentials/Certifications

  • MA/MS degree in School Counseling
  • Valid Ohio Pupil Services License in School Counseling
  • Experience with individual and group counseling sessions
  • Experience working with at-risk student populations
  • LISW desired but not required
  • Experience with prevention, intervention, developmental, and crisis counseling
  • College, community, and social/youth agency partnerships
  • Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement
  • Experience using student information databases or software applications
  • Proficient in Google and MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)