School Counselor at KIPP Public Schools in Kansas City, MO

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP KC plays a critical role in ensuring our students are on the path toward college, career, and beyond.

As a School Counselor, you will lead and implement a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program that supports students’ academic success, social-emotional development, and post-secondary readiness. You will work proactively to remove barriers to learning by providing direct student support, building systems of intervention, and partnering with staff and families.

This role is rooted in prevention, early intervention, and whole-child support, ensuring that all students have the skills, mindsets, and resources needed to thrive.

Key Responsibilities: 

Student Support & Counseling

• Provide individual and group counseling focused on social-emotional development, self-management, and academic success.
• Deliver Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports aligned to MTSS frameworks.
• Implement evidence-based interventions to support student behavior, engagement, and well-being.
• Support students in developing goal-setting, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Provide crisis response and short-term intervention for students in high-need situations.
• Lead the implementation and annual completion of the Missouri Individual Career & Academic Plan (ICAP) process for all students, beginning in 8th grade 

School Counseling Program Implementation

• Design and implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned to ASCA standards.
• Deliver classroom-based lessons that support social-emotional learning, college and career readiness, and life skills.
• Use data to identify trends, prioritize student needs, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Develop systems to proactively address attendance, behavior, and academic concerns.
• Administer ICAP 

Collaboration & School-Based Support

• Partner with teachers and school leaders to support student success and classroom culture.
• Participate in MTSS/RTI meetings and lead interventions for students requiring additional support.
• Collaborate with special education, ELL, and student support teams to ensure aligned services.
• Provide consultation and training to staff on student mental health, SEL strategies, and trauma-informed practices.

Family Communication & Engagement

• Build strong relationships with students and families to support student growth and well-being.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and support plans.
• Facilitate family meetings and provide strategies for supporting students at home.
• Connect families with community resources as needed.

Attendance & Student Advocacy

• Monitor student attendance and lead interventions to address chronic absenteeism.
• Advocate for equitable access to academic opportunities, supports, and resources.
• Support transition planning for students across grade levels and into post-secondary pathways.

Data, Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions, interventions, and outcomes.
• Use school-based systems to track student progress and counseling services.
• Ensure compliance with school policies and ethical standards for counseling practice.

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in all professional development, coaching sessions, and staff meetings.
• Collaborate with colleagues to contribute to a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Maintain strong organizational systems for managing caseloads and student support plans.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by school leadership.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field required
• Valid Missouri certification/licensure as a School Counselor (or ability to obtain)
• Experience working with children and adolescents in a school setting preferred
• Knowledge of MTSS frameworks, SEL practices, and student mental health supports
• Strong collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to educational equity and serving underserved communities
• Satisfactory outcome of a background check

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.

• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday.

• Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work locations. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Selection Process:

Our application process is grounded in equity and fairness, ensuring a just and unbiased selection process. Below is our standard selection process for regional roles:

Selection Process 

Application Submission + Resume Review 

Phone or Video Interview 

If Applicable (Sample work or Performance Task) 

Committee Interview(s) 

1:1 Chat w/Hiring Manager 

Reference Check 

Offer Terms