Academic Counselor, Grades 9 - 12

Position Details

• Reporting Manager: Principal
• Status: Salary, Exempt
• Type: Regular, Full-Time (12 Months) - REMOTE (W2)
• Program: Tri-Star Virtual Academy (Tennessee)
• Location: Open to Tennessee Residents Only - Candidates outside of TN will not be considered.

Overview

As an Academic Counselor with Stellar Virtual, you will play a crucial role in supporting the educational and developmental needs of high school students (Grades 9-12) at Tri-Star Virtual Academy in Tennessee. Operating within our dynamic virtual learning environment, you will provide comprehensive academic counseling, college and career readiness guidance, and social-emotional support. You will help students navigate their unique challenges, develop effective learning strategies, and ensure they are on track to meet their graduation requirements and post-secondary goals. You will also be responsible for conducting ongoing assessments to identify academic strengths and challenges and proactively monitoring student progress.

Essential Duties

• Provide individual and group counseling to students regarding academic planning, course selection, and graduation requirements.
• Develop and implement personalized academic support plans for students experiencing academic difficulties.
• Monitor student academic progress, credit accumulation, and attendance, proactively intervening 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.
• Support state-mandated on-site testing events periodically throughout the year (required).
• Guide high school students through the college application process, including college research, essay writing, financial aid (FAFSA), and scholarship opportunities.
• Provide information and resources related to career exploration, vocational training, and diverse post-secondary pathways.
• Organize and facilitate virtual college and career events and presentations.
• Assist students with developing actionable post-secondary plans aligned with their interests and goals.
• Provide individual and group counseling to students addressing social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
• Implement social-emotional learning (SEL) programs and initiatives tailored to older adolescents within a virtual environment.
• Identify and address student needs related to mental health, cyberbullying, peer relationships, and family issues.
• Serve as a safe, accessible point of contact and resource for students and families navigating personal challenges.
• Make referrals to external community and mental health resources when necessary.
• 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 actively 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 high school students (Grades 9-12) in Tennessee.
• Proven experience working independently with minimal supervision, including the ability to manage a digital task list and maintain a highly functional 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 to adolescents.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development, academic advising, college/career counseling, and SEL principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in using student information systems (SIS) and technology for communication, counseling, and accurate record-keeping.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to supporting student well-being and success.
• Residency in the state of Tennessee is required.

Success Profile

• Student Advocacy & Empathy: Builds trust with high school students and families, responds with care, and proactively supports academic, social, and emotional needs during a critical transitional life phase.
• Proactive Problem Solving: Identifies student challenges early, takes initiative, and implements timely interventions using data and professional judgment to keep students on track for graduation.
• Collaborative Relationship Building: Works effectively with students, families, and Stellar Virtual staff to coordinate support and ensure student success in a 100% virtual environment.

Education & Certification Requirements

• A Master's degree in School Counseling or a closely related field is preferred; Bachelor's degree required.
• A valid Tennessee School Counselor license (Endorsed for Grades 9-12).

Benefits & Incentives (Full-Time Only)

• Competitive vacation and paid time off plans
• Comprehensive medical, 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)
• 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.