An Academic or Guidance Counselor provides guidance to students in elementary, middle and high schools to help them succeed academically and socially. Works with school teachers and administrators to address problems that affect student performance, and identifies resources for students and families. Helps high school students to plan academic course work and advises on the college search and application process.
$35,000-$70,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications
BENEFITS
Comprehensive fringe benefit package as authorized by the Board of Education SUMMARY Kenowa Hills Public Schools is seeking a compassionate, relationship-driven Student Success Coach to support middle school students in overcoming barriers to academic, behavioral, social, and emotional success. The Student Success Coach serves as a mentor, advocate, and connector for students by building meaningful relationships, coordinating interventions, monitoring progress, and partnering with families, staff, and community agencies. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is passionate about helping every student develop the skills and confidence necessary for success in middle school and beyond. The Success Coach works closely with administrators, counselors, teachers, MTSS teams, and families to promote regular attendance, positive behavior, academic growth, and successful transition to high school.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, or a closely related field required. Experience working with adolescents in school or youth-serving settings preferred. Experience implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and/or restorative practices preferred. Knowledge of Capturing Kids' Hearts (CKH) or willingness to support district relationship-building practices. Strong understanding of trauma-informed practices and adolescent development. Knowledge of community resources and social service agencies available to support students and families. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to analyze student data and utilize data to identify needs, monitor interventions, and evaluate outcomes. Ability to establish trusting relationships with students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Demonstrated commitment to equity, cultural competence, and serving diverse student populations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Student Success Coach collaborates with students, families, staff, and community partners to remove barriers to learning and increase student engagement and success. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Identify students demonstrating academic, attendance, behavioral, or social-emotional concerns through data analysis and staff referrals. Develop, implement, monitor, and adjust individualized student success plans based on identified needs. Provide mentoring, coaching, and goal-setting support to students individually and in small groups. Monitor student attendance, behavior, grades, and intervention progress, maintaining accurate documentation. Collaborate with MTSS, PBIS, Child Study, and other school-based teams to coordinate interventions. Partner with teachers and administrators to develop strategies that improve student engagement and reduce barriers to learning. Collaborate with feeder elementary schools to support successful transitions into middle school. Build positive partnerships with parents and guardians through ongoing communication and problem-solving. Connect students and families with school and community resources that support academic, behavioral, and social-emotional success. Assist with restorative conversations, conflict resolution, and student re-engagement strategies. Support school-wide attendance, behavior, and engagement initiatives. Maintain confidential student records in accordance with FERPA and district expectations. Evaluate intervention effectiveness using student outcome data and adjust supports as needed. Participate in professional learning, district initiatives, and other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires frequent movement throughout the school building and campus. The employee must be able to: Walk, stand, and move throughout the building for extended periods of time. Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and sit on the floor when working with students as needed. Lift, carry, or move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Frequently travel between classrooms, offices, common areas, and outdoor locations during the school day. Work in environments with moderate to high noise levels, including classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and school events.
The work environment may include:
Responding to students experiencing behavioral, emotional, or social-emotional dysregulation. Implementing de-escalation techniques and restorative practices to support student success. Supporting students during transitions and in both structured and unstructured school settings. Exposure to verbal outbursts, profanity, or emotionally charged situations while maintaining professionalism and a calm demeanor. The ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and respond effectively during crisis situations is essential.
NOTE TO NEW EMPLOYEES
Pursuant to PA 131, the selected candidate must receive clearance from the Michigan State Police Department prior to employment. The candidate is responsible for the fingerprinting background check fee.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Kenowa Hills Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), age, disability, height, weight, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status in its programs, services, activities, or employment opportunities. The Director of Human Resources has been designated to coordinate compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws and to respond to inquiries regarding the District's nondiscrimination policies. Director of Human Resources Kenowa Hills Public Schools 2325 Four Mile Road NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544 616-784-2511 Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.
