Academy Counselor

The Tennessee Volunteer Challenge Academy (TNVCA) is currently accepting resumes for three positions for TNVCA Counselor. Under the direct supervision of the Lead Counselor, performs counseling services in the following areas: limited psychosocial education, career planning, job placement, independent living, substance abuse, crisis, and stress and anger management through individual and group sessions. Counsel Cadets individually and in groups to facilitate behavioral changes regarding errors in thinking that include, but are not limited to: conflict resolution, substance abuse, and interpersonal relationships for the purpose of developing sound character in post-residential success. Respond to concerns of cadets including medical, physical, social, educational and cultural issues during the residential phase. Participate in a rotating on-call schedule and work nights and weekends as deemed necessary.

Annual Salary:  $38,472

Benefits: Insurance (Health, Dental, Life, Vision), Annual, Sick and Military Leave, Flexible Benefits Plan, Retirement, Higher Education Fee Waivers Discounts

For additional benefits: http://www.tn.gov/hr/topic/benefits

·       Conduct character development lessons in a group setting and incorporate those concepts in individual counseling to assist those exhibiting problems with adjustment and growth during the residential phase

·       Assist cadets in the preparation of placement plans through the use of the Post-Residential Action Plan (PRAP), interest inventory profiles and academic abilities. Communicate with parents, mentors, school officials, court officials, social services, and prospective employers to facilitate post-residential success. Assist with the completion of necessary forms, financial aid, recommendations, etc.

·       Document individual cadet’s progress and placement plans, to include applications to institutions of higher learning and job placement as well as any disciplinary interventions.

·       Coordinate weekly QUAD meetings with Instructors, Shift Supervisors with assigned Platoon regarding the cadets’ progress and adjustment. 

·       Provide timely and accurate reporting of Quad meetings to Lead Counselor of the collaborative efforts of the QUAD to assist the cadet in developing positive resolutions and understanding of errors in thinking regarding social, emotional, educational and behavioral development. 

·       Consult with staff to assist in recognizing indicators leading to and developing into crisis situations and provide recommendations for the handling of cadets who required crisis intervention services. 

·       Refer cadets for other professional treatment services as required.

·       Administer standardized tests to meet specific core objectives as established by the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.

·       Assist in the development and updating of lesson plans, and conduct classes pertaining to goal-setting; decision-making; interpersonal relationships; and general life skills. 

·       Provides extensive automated file management utilizing the Cadet Tracking System to update and maintain cadet data for tracking by the National Guard Bureau.

·       Participate in further professional development through workshops and other training opportunities as needed or required.

·       Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of duties enumerated above.   

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State’s policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person’s race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.