School Counselor

About the Role

Title: School Counselor

Location: Naples FL US

Job Description:

About OptimaEd

At OptimaEd, we believe education should be more than a process—it should be a journey of discovery, empowerment, and possibility. That’s why we’re transforming the way the world learns by harnessing the power of immersive technology.

Imagine a world where every student, no matter their background, has access to dynamic immersive coursework, awe-inspiring virtual field trips, and a rich VR content library that makes learning come alive. At OptimaEd, we’re making that vision a reality.

We combine the timeless brilliance of a classical liberal arts and sciences education with groundbreaking technology to create experiences that don’t just teach—they ignite. Whether it’s exploring ancient civilizations, stepping into the heart of a science experiment, or discovering a passion for entrepreneurship, we empower learners to dream bigger and reach higher.

This isn’t just about education—it’s about expanding minds, opening doors, and making the extraordinary accessible to every family, everywhere. Together, we’re reimagining what’s possible, because when we innovate, we inspire.

At OptimaEd, we’re not just preparing students for the future. We’re creating a future worth preparing for. Let’s build it together.

 Position Summary

The School Counselor is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive school counseling program that meets state requirements and the needs of our online learners. This role fosters students’ academic, social-emotional, and career development in a virtual environment while collaborating with families, teachers, and leadership to ensure each student is supported and positioned for success.

 Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Administration 

• Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with state guidelines and the unique needs of an online classical liberal arts academy. 

• Delivers the four counseling program components: counseling curriculum, individual student planning, responsive services, and system support. 

• Conducts annual needs assessments and uses data to guide continuous improvement of counseling services. 

• Maintains accurate documentation and student records in compliance with state and federal requirements. 

Student Academic Support & Progress Monitoring 

• Monitors student academic progress, engagement, and attendance using data dashboards, assessments, and teacher input. 

• Supports student state and progress-monitoring testing, including coordination, preparation strategies, and interpretation of results for students and families. 

• Collaborates with teachers and academic teams to identify students in need of additional support and intervention. 

• Provides or coordinates targeted academic support, including tutoring and skill-building interventions when needed. 

Counseling & Social-Emotional Support 

• Provides short-term individual and small-group counseling to support academic success, emotional regulation, resilience, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. 

• Explicitly teaches and reinforces soft skills such as self-advocacy, time management, digital citizenship, collaboration, perseverance, and goal setting. 

• Supports students in developing healthy habits for online learning, including organization, focus, and balance. 

• Assists families by providing referrals to outside mental health or support services when students have acute or ongoing needs. 

Community & Student Engagement 

• Plans and facilitates virtual social events, student connection opportunities, and community-building activities to foster belonging in an online environment. 

• Collaborates with staff to create a positive, supportive virtual school culture rooted in respect and character. 

• Serves as a visible, approachable support for students and families. 

Collaboration & School Leadership 

• Consults with administrators, teachers, and families regarding student progress, mental health, behavior, and academic concerns. 

• Serves on school teams including RtI/MTSS/PBS, ESE staffing, and ELL committees as appropriate. 

• Assists with curriculum development, professional development, and identification of instructional or behavioral interventions. 

• Supports test preparation efforts, including test-taking skills instruction and staff guidance on optimal testing conditions. 

• Participates in school health/mental health initiatives and accreditation processes as required. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Attends counseling and professional meetings to remain current on best practices, policies, and trends in school counseling—especially in virtual settings. 

• Performs other duties as assigned by the School Principal.  

Requirements 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree in Counseling or a related field. 

• Valid Florida Guidance Counseling K-12 Certificate (or eligibility). 

• Minimum of three years of experience in a school or counseling environment. 

Technical & Professional Skills 

• Strong technology skills, including proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, student information systems, and virtual communication tools. 

• Ability to analyze student data and use it to inform interventions and decision-making. 

Additional Qualifications 

• Demonstrated commitment to Optima Academy Online’s mission, vision, and classical values. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, professionalism, flexibility, and clear communication. 

• Ability to build trusting relationships with students and families in a virtual environment. 

• Self-directed, organized, and comfortable working in a dynamic online school setting. 

• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills 

• Ability to adapt instruction in a rapidly evolving educational environment 

• Commitment to continuous professional growth and instructional innovation  

Cognitive/Mental Requirements 

• Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues 

• Ability to use computers, instructional technology, and VR equipment for prolonged periods 

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, maintain attention to detail, and exercise sound judgment in a dynamic learning environment

• Learn and apply new tasks, instructional practices, technologies, and processes 

• Recall and follow established procedures, workflows, and guidelines 

• Maintain focus and attention while managing multiple tasks and priorities 

• Analyze, organize, categorize, and integrate information to support instructional planning and decision-making 

• Exercise sound judgment and make timely decisions within a structured and, at times, fast-paced workflow 

• Complete tasks independently and meet expected timelines, productivity standards, and performance expectations 

• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, families, colleagues, and visitors 

• Adapt to changing demands, instructional needs, and priorities while maintaining effectiveness 

Work Environment 

• Extended screen time and use of immersive technology are required 

• Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods 

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO)

• Paid Holidays

• Professional Development

• 401(k) with Employer Match

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

• $25,000 Life Insurance Policy

• Legal Aid

• Employer Discount Program

• Fun, Supportive, Rewarding Culture & 100% remote     

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. 

The organization is an equal opportunity employer. The organization is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in all areas of recruitment, selection, placement, training, assignment, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, retention, and promotion. The board commits itself to the policy that there shall be no unlawful discrimination against any person because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or disability. All decisions with regard to employment shall be in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

FL Clearinghouse | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration