Academic Counselor, Grades K-8

Position Details

• Reporting Manager: Principal
• Status: Salary, Exempt
• Type: Regular, Full-Time (12 Months)
• Program: Tri-Star Virtual Academy (TN)

Overview

As an Academic Counselor, you will play a crucial role in supporting the educational needs of students with special needs in our virtual learning environment. You will provide academic counseling and guidance to students with special needs, addressing their unique challenges and helping them develop effective learning strategies. You will also be responsible for conducting ongoing assessments to identify academic strengths and challenges and monitor students' progress. Essential Duties

• Provide individual and group counseling to students regarding academic planning, course selection, graduation requirements, and post-secondary options.
• Develop and implement academic support plans for students experiencing academic difficulties.
• Monitor student academic progress and attendance, and proactively intervene when necessary.
• Collaborate with teachers and parents to address academic concerns and develop effective strategies for student success.
• Interpret and explain standardized test results to students and parents.
• Provide individual and group counseling to students addressing social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
• Implement social-emotional learning (SEL) programs and initiatives within the virtual environment.
• Identify and address student needs related to mental health, bullying, peer relationships, and family issues.
• Serve as a point of contact and resource for students and families navigating personal challenges.
• Make referrals to external community resources when necessary.
• Guide high school students through the college application process, including college research, essay writing, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
• Support on-site testing events periodically throughout the year (required).
• Provide information and resources related to career exploration, vocational training, and post-secondary pathways.
• Organize virtual college and career events and presentations.
• Assist students with developing post-secondary plans aligned with their interests and goals.
• Collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, special education staff, and other student support personnel.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, concerns, and available resources.
• Participate in virtual team meetings and professional development opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a school counselor, preferably working with a range of grade levels (K-8) in Tennessee.
• Proven experience working independently with minimal supervision, including the ability to manage a digital task list and maintain a stable remote (home-office) infrastructure.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience using the Google Workspace suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive) in a professional or academic setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas via written channels (Email, Google Chat, and Document Comments) with high clarity and low ambiguity.
• Access to a private, secure, high-speed internet connection with a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds.
• Demonstrated experience in providing individual and group counseling.
• Strong understanding of child and adolescent development.
• Knowledge of academic advising, college and career counseling, and social-emotional learning principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a virtual environment.
• Proficiency in using technology for communication, counseling, and record-keeping.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to supporting student well-being.
• Residency in the state of Tennessee is required.

Success Profile

• Student Advocacy & Empathy
• Build trust with students and families, responds with care, and proactively supports academic, social, and emotional needs.
• Proactive Problem Solving
• Identify student challenges early, takes initiative, and implements timely interventions using data and professional judgment.
• Collaborative Relationship Building
• Work effectively with students, families, and staff to coordinate support and ensure student success in a virtual environment.

Education & Certification Requirements

• A master's degree in School Counseling or a related field.
• A valid Tennessee School Counselor license.

Benefits & Incentives (Full-Time Only)

• Competitive vacation and paid time off plans
• Comprehensive medical (HMO, HDHP, and PPO), dental, and vision plans with varying coverage for employees and their families, with options available in all states, including a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) option.
• 401(k) retirement plan (pre- and post-tax options) with matching contribution up to 3% after one year of employment
• Additional supplemental disability, life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, legal aid, and ID theft protection plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Two paid closure weeks each year (weeks of July 4 and December 25)
• 11 Company-paid Holidays

Employment "At-Will" Statement: For W-2 employment, Stellar Virtual is an at-will employer. This means the employee and Stellar Virtual can terminate the employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, as legally permitted. This job description does not guarantee continued employment or a contract. All 1099 status is excluded. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Stellar Virtual is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Apply To This Job