Position Summary: Owatonna Public Schools is seeking a collaborative, student-centered School Counselor to serve students in Owatonna Online, grades 4–12. This position is an integral part of the instructional team and is dedicated to supporting the academic, social-emotional, career, and post-secondary development of students learning in a virtual environment. The successful candidate is expected to report to work in person each contracted workday and collaborate closely with staff while providing services to students through both virtual and face-to-face interactions as needed. The Owatonna Online School Counselor will develop strong relationships with students and families while proactively monitoring student engagement, attendance, academic progress, and overall well-being. The counselor will collaborate daily with teachers, administrators, special education staff, social workers, and families to ensure every student receives the support needed to succeed in an online learning environment.
This is an in-person position located in Owatonna, Minnesota. This is NOT a remote or work-from-home position.
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide comprehensive school counseling services to students in grades 4–12.
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Deliver individual and small-group counseling addressing academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and career development needs.
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Assist students in developing executive functioning, organization, self-advocacy, goal setting, and time management skills necessary for success in online learning.
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Provide crisis intervention, risk assessment, and referral to community resources when appropriate.
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Support students experiencing barriers to engagement, including attendance concerns, mental health challenges, family transitions, and other social-emotional needs.
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Monitor student attendance, participation, course completion, and engagement using online learning platforms and district data systems.
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Conduct regular virtual and in-person student check-ins based on student need and intervention tier.
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Collaborate with teachers to identify students requiring academic or behavioral interventions.
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Develop intervention plans for students demonstrating limited engagement or academic progress.
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Coordinate re-engagement plans for students returning after periods of absence.
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Guide students and families through annual course registration and individualized academic planning. Monitor graduation requirements for secondary students.
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Assist elementary and middle school students with successful transitions between grade levels.
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Support students with college and career readiness planning, including career exploration, college admissions, financial aid resources, scholarships, military options, apprenticeships, and workforce pathways.
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Assist students with Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), Career and Technical Education (CTE), concurrent enrollment, and other advanced learning opportunities.
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Establish consistent communication with families regarding academic progress, attendance, and student success.
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Conduct virtual and in-person family conferences as needed.
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Support families in understanding online learning expectations and available district resources.
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Collaborate with partnership districts and outside agencies to coordinate student supports when appropriate.
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Serve as an active member of the Owatonna Online student support team.
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Collaborate with teachers, special education case managers, social workers, school psychologists, nurses, administrators, and outside service providers.
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Collaborate with Owatonna Public Schools Counseling team K-12 via PLC and other district-supported initiatives.
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Participate in Child Study, Section 504, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), attendance intervention, and special education meetings.
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Support transitions for open-enrolled and partnership district students entering Owatonna Online.
Program Responsibilities
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Assist with student orientation and onboarding for newly enrolled students.
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Support student scheduling and course planning using district information systems.
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Maintain accurate student records while ensuring compliance with FERPA, Minnesota Data Practices, and district policies.
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Utilize student data to identify trends and implement proactive interventions that improve attendance, engagement, and graduation outcomes.
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Participate in summer enrollment, orientation, and transition activities as assigned.
Position Requirements
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Valid Minnesota K–12 School Counselor License.
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Bachelor's degree in School Counseling or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
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Demonstrated knowledge of comprehensive school counseling programs.
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Knowledge of child and adolescent development across grades 4–12.
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Experience supporting diverse learners and students from varied cultural, linguistic, economic, and ability backgrounds.
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Working knowledge of Section 504, MTSS, special education processes, and state graduation requirements.
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Experience with online learning environments or educational technology preferred.
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Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
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Ability to work independently while maintaining frequent communication with administration, students, families, and staff.
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Commitment to student-centered problem-solving and relationship building.
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Experience working in virtual, blended, alternative, or nontraditional educational settings. (preferred)
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Experience with student engagement and attendance interventions. (preferred)
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Familiarity with online learning management systems and student information systems. (preferred)
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Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. (preferred)
FTE/Schedule: 1.0 FTE, School-year position with additional summer days as assigned.
Salary: Salary is based on education and experience in accordance with the OEA Master Agreement.
Benefits offered for this position are as listed: Teacher - Full Time and Part Time:
Health Insurance offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield (single and family)
Dental Insurance (Single and Family)
$70,000 Life Insurance
Long Term Disability
Teacher Retirement Association (TRA) pension
403(B) Matching Annuity Plan - up to $1,700/year match
Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)/ Sick Time
Personal Day(s)
Why Owatonna Online?
Owatonna Online serves students in grades 4–12 through a personalized online learning model that combines high-quality virtual instruction with meaningful relationships and individualized student support. Our team is committed to ensuring every student feels connected, challenged, and successful while receiving the flexibility of online education within a supportive public school environment.
Owatonna Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity.
