Guidance Counselor- Secondary (San Angelo)

Guidance Counselor – Secondary

Provide guidance and counseling services conducive to all students achieving their individual potential academically, socially, and emotionally. The position is also responsible for coordinating standardized testing for the campuses s/he is responsible for as well as working with students and parents to develop educational and occupational academic plans. The guidance counselor will assist the lead campus administrator in developing a master schedule for the upcoming academic year, as needed or directed.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. This employee may be required to work with at-risk students.

Program Management

• Collaborate with the School Director and Campus Principal to develop a written guidance plan outlining specific areas of responsibility, annual school guidance program goals, and activities for attaining goals.

1. Redesign and update yearly, the High School course catalog to include:

• Guidance for specific, grade-level planning.
• Guidance for students to an understanding of the importance and relevance of endorsements as prescribed by the TEA.
• Pathways and endorsements individualized for each grade level.
• Guidance for students and parents to build a solid and fitting high school plan.
• Various/general employment pathways and appropriate post-secondary educational requirements.
• Opportunities for aptitude assessments where students and parents gain an understanding of where a student's gifts, strengths or talents may lie.

• Meet individually with incoming freshmen to solidify IGP's and re-visit as needed.
• Provide opportunities for incoming freshmen to understand the classes and programs that are offered. This might be done during an orientation where all department heads are present.
• Provide scholarship information and opportunities where help or guidance is available; possibly with college/university/industry professionals guiding to successful award.
• Host military recruiting personnel and allow students time to understand opportunities and education offered through the various military branches.

• Coordinate the administration of the standardized testing program for the campus and interpret results for students, parents, and professional personnel.
• Consult with teachers and other staff members to promote maximum learning in the classroom.
• Demonstrate skill in coaching staff and teachers, provide technical assistance to instructional staff concerning counseling and guidance.
• Collaborate with teachers and administration to develop student improvement plans to assist students in reaching their academic potential.
• Work with teachers to develop student improvement plans that will assist students in developing their academic potential.
• Develop a guidance plan incorporating academic success, personal/social growth, and college and career information.
• Promote and support efforts to help each student develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school policies for public school guidance and counseling.
• Keep informed of graduation requirements and TLCA curriculum.
• Demonstrate responsibility for the accurate certification of graduation requirements including state testing for assigned students.
• Works with the School Director and Campus Principal to develop a master schedule and create student schedules.

School/Organizational Improvement

• Develop long-range and short-range plans for a complete guidance program based on the needs and expectations of the populations to be served.
• Collaborate with campus administration on crisis management planning.
• Provide staff training as assigned.

Student Success

• Assist students in learning appropriate school behavior and in developing self-understanding and social skills through individual and group guidance and counseling activities.
• Work with students and their parents to develop educational and occupational plans.
• Conduct student registration activities
• Review or supervise review of student transcripts for accuracy and correct course placement.
• Provide information to students and parents about course offerings, college, financial aid, and careers.
• Assist students and parents with postsecondary planning during guidance lessons, presentations, and individual academic conferences.
• Maintain accurate information about graduation requirements, course offerings, and program options.
• Assist students with application for postsecondary education including letters of recommendation as requested.
• Assist students and parents in awareness of and application processes for scholarship
• Assist in placement of students in special programs.
• Provide individual and group counseling for students and consult with their parents concerning problems that interfere with learning.
• Attend and participate in college updates.

Professional Growth and Development

• Develop professional skills appropriate to guidance and counseling.
• Develop a base of knowledge concerning college admission requirements and appropriate academic planning.
• Network with other professionals to increase knowledge of academic planning and college admission.
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible and serve as a role model for all district staff.
• Attend and participate in all required district counseling and guidance professional development opportunities.
• Disseminate ideas and information to other professionals; provide leadership in addressing the challenges facing the profession.
• Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of TLCA and follow directives from superiors.
• Follow attendance policy as assigned by supervisor.
• Perform other functions that may be assigned by administration and/or supervisor.

School/Community Relations

• Communicate clearly the district's needs and programs to the parents and the community and respond to their concerns in a timely manner.
• Refer parent(s) or guardian(s) to appropriate community resources
• Maintain and be aware of community resources, referrals, and other assistance available to students and families.
• Take an active role in communicating the district's guidance program to the community.
• Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor and communication style with students, parents, and staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Master's Degree Guidance and Counseling
• Valid Texas counselor's certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the types of services provided by counselors
• Technology skills including computer skills, Microsoft application

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of teaching experience

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Mental Demands:

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; coordinate district functions; maintain emotional control under stress.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Occasional district-wide and statewide travel.
• Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions.