Guidance Counselor

EAST PROVIDENCE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Guidance Counselor Job Description Class Title: Guidance Counselor Department: Middle School Classification: Teacher - 184 days - plus an additional four (4) days. (2 before school starts and 2 after school ends). Immediate Supervisor: Principal and/or Designee CLASS DESCRIPTION Under the direction of the building Principal and Guidance Coordinator the Guidance Counselor plans and provides for appropriate services for students. Provide an atmosphere and environment conductive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of all students. Monitor and evaluate student outcomes. Communicate and interact with students, parents, staff and community. Develop, select and modify guidance lessons and materials to meet the needs of all students. Monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, materials and facilities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES 1.Provide services to students in the areas of academic, personal/social and career development. 2.Conduct classroom guidance activities. 3.Expose students to career exploration and interest inventories. 4.Review school data frequently to ensure that the school counseling program is meeting the academic, career and personal/social development of all students. 5.Prepare reports, records, lists and all other required information and data. 6.Encourage teacher/parent communication and community involvement. 7.Assist students in conflict resolution. 8.Manage crisis and report information to Social Worker, Psychologist and administration. 9.Assist in the identification of students with special needs. 10.Refer students to intervention/remediation programs to ensure academic success and personal well-being. 11.Interpret student records. 12.Initiate student programs. 13.Refer students to appropriate school personnel and community agencies. 14.Participate in SST, 504 meetings, IEP meetings and TEAM. 15.Facilitate parent/teacher conferences. 16.Serve as resource for school personnel and parents. 17.Maintain a variety of files/records and departmental library of supplementary and reference materials. 18.Follow required procedures and practices. 19.Participate in professional development activities. 20.Lead attendance common planning time with staff. 21.Prepare information for summer school and notify parents. 22.Conduct individual student academic program planning. 23.Inform students of all post-secondary options. 24.Create master schedule along with administration. 25.Schedule all students into appropriate classes. 26.Serve as a member of teams including the attendance team. 27.Create groups to target specific student needs. 28.Organize outside of school experiences for students (ex: college visits) 29.Perform related work as required. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES • Knowledge of administrative assistant practices and procedures. • Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with complete security. • Ability to proficiently operate office technology and equipment (i.e. computer systems, calculator, telephone system, fax, copier, etc.) • Ability to learn and proficiently use various school-related systems and database. • Ability to proficiently use computer programs such as, but not limited to, Word, and Excel. • Working knowledge of district and school rules, regulations and policies applicable to area of assignment. • Ability to work effectively with district personnel, administrators, and vendors. • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. • Ability to multi-task and prioritize work to meet strict deadlines. • Ability to handle difficult in-person situations and telephone inquiries which require courtesy, tact, and professionalism. • Ability to understand school scheduling. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: • Must possess a valid Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) certification as a School Counselor K-12. • Must have a minimum of five (5) years teaching experience. • Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and ability to motivate people. • Must have the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups. • Must have the ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) with diverse groups (staff, parents, administration, and community members). • Must be proficient utilizing technology in the teaching and learning process. • Ability to use data to support the School Improvement Plan. • Support the implementation of the education reform initiatives at the middle school level. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with, disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including, but not limited to, sitting, standing, stretching, and walking. The employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands, handle, or feel. The employee must be able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to, lifting, and/or moving light objects up to ten (10) lbs., and occasionally lift items slightly over ten (10) lbs. The use of a step stool may be required to reach the top drawer of a filing cabinet as necessary. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described 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. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.