Middle School: Lead Professional School Counselor 2026-2027

Job Overview The Lead Professional School Counselor Middle School will provide counseling services to assist students in maximizing their educational experience. The incumbent will provide strong leadership, program management, guidance, and direction to school counselors in the development and implementation of the campus Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program and the district College and Career Readiness (CCR) Plan, consistent with district and school identified needs, goals and objectives. The Lead Counselor will act as the coordinator of the campus counseling staff and liaison between the campus and central administration. Position Description Essential Duties and Responsibilities Guidance Curriculum Provide classroom guidance lessons for all grade levels as determined by district expectations and campus needs in alignment with the Texas Education Code (TEC), The Texas Developmental Guidance Model, and The American School Counseling Association (ASCA); maintain a monthly calendar of guidance activities to be made available to campus staff Develop and implement college and career readiness activities for all students throughout the year to include implementation of SchooLinks scope and sequence and Career Days/Fairs Responsive Services Develop behavioral interventions to be delivered in the classroom; implement behavioral interventions individually or in small groups in collaboration with teachers, as needed Counsel students individually or in groups regarding presenting concerns, respond to students who are in crisis, assist students with transitions (8th to 9th, returning from DAEP/JJAEP etc.), inform supervisors of student threats to themselves and/or other students, and participate in campus and district crisis intervention response teams Consult through conferences, phone calls, and individual meetings with various stakeholders including teachers, parents, administrators, school psychologists, diagnosticians, nurses, and other professionals, and identify and disseminate information about appropriate community resources Initiate and/or assist other campus staff in making referrals to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) and respond to requests for additional information from TDFPS Individual Planning Counsel students individually regarding problem solving, study skills, building positive relationships, decision making skills, academic growth and responsibility, communication skills, and appropriate social behavior, as well as assist students in career exploration and development, and the process leading to appropriate post-secondary educational placement, available scholarships and financial aid, and other resources Provide consultation services as needed regarding student needs by participating in various campus team meetings (i.e., instructional support teams, 504, ARDs, Gifted and Talented) Assist with the testing and identification of students referred for the Gifted and Talented program, and in the interpretation of standardized test data and cumulative records to develop realistic goals for students, and assist in developing Accelerated Instructional Plans (AIPs) and Personal Graduation Plans (PGPs) Guide students in the selection of courses (all levels), endorsements, completion of 4-year high school plans (secondary) and timely credit recovery options as needed (secondary) System Support Maintain accurate records of progress toward graduation which may include interpreting/evaluating records from out-of-state and out-of-country schools, assist with transfer of student records and provide transition services for students and their parents, and develop and maintain student logs and collect relevant student data to support the developmental guidance program Provide direction, consultation, and training services for teachers, parents, and other relevant staff related to classroom/student management, social/emotional development of children, effective teacher-parent communication, and college and career readiness Contribute to district and campus leadership teams as appropriate, counseling webpage on campus website, and support campus programs and special events Research district policy, precedent, and current practices prior to taking action and stay up-to-date professionally through the selection of quality staff development opportunities for personal and professional growth including mandatory district provided training Supervisory Responsibilities Manage the campus counseling department including the assignment of counselor duties and responsibilities to ensure efficient, streamlined systems of operation and effective use of appropriate program resources Communicate and collaborate with campus leadership to support the implementation of the Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program (DGCP) including analyzing data for the purpose of continuous improvement Train, monitor, and provide feedback to counselors and assist staff with ways to improve their job performance; assist the principal in the counselor evaluation process Develop and publish yearly and weekly campus guidance calendar and manage the campus counseling website Oversee all document, memos, and correspondence preparation including the development of weekly counseling department agendas, transcript profiles (HS), and student handbooks Serve as SchooLinks Site Coordinator (MS) or co-coordinator with CCRA (HS) Gather, analyze and monitor statistical data on student programs (i.e. 504, IMPACT, At-Risk, ELL, AP Potential, AP Minority and Gender Equity enrollment data, AVID Data, drop-outs, CCR District Plan Targeted Measures) Represent the counseling department at all district lead counselor meetings, administrative team meetings, department chair meetings, middle school vertical team meetings, and other required meetings Assist administration as needed with the planning and organizing of special recognition events i.e. graduation, awards assemblies, community service awards. Assist administration with Master schedule conflicts as needed Implement a comprehensive plan for test interpretation of college readiness assessments (PSAT, AP etc.) to staff, parents and students At the high school level, evaluate all foreign transcripts of incoming students and communicate credits and grades earned to registrar to build official high school transcript Coordinate and facilitate the transfer of records and transition services Qualification Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions. Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling or related field Texas School Counselor Certification or Eligible for Texas Certification Current Texas School Counselor Certification or be eligible to transfer Out of State School Counselor Certification Minimum of 3 years of secondary counseling experience Demonstrate integrity and ethics Display proficient levels of technology applications Utilize time wisely for effective management of job responsibilities Maintain punctuality in daily work times, appointments, and meetings Meet task completion deadlines established by supervision Maintain friendly customer-service-driven interactions with all stakeholders Work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure that the goals of the school/department are met Maintain a positive and professional tone in all communication (i.e. email, written, and verbal) Physical Requirements/Working Conditions The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms. The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress. Primary Location Primary Location

TEXAS

SECONDARY

210AUG