School Counselor

Overall Purpose


The job of School Counselor is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process with specific responsibility for assisting students in their chosen academic pathways; providing course curriculum, information and recommendations to students, parents, and guardians; and assisting in the development of goals and plans for achievement. Utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, school counselors promote student success, provide preventive services, and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career, and personal/social development for all students.

Direct Supervisor


Building Principal

Essential Functions
• Assists students in accessing various applications (college admissions, scholarships, work permits, special programs admissions, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring completion of application processes within designated time frames.
• Coordinates with a variety of district stakeholders (mental health agencies, teachers, etc.) for the purpose of providing/receiving requested information and/or making recommendations.
• Counsels students, parents, and guardians (referral agent for district and community health, social, special services, etc.) for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.
• Develops a variety of special programs as needed (college candidate programs, etc.) for the purpose of providing personal, academic, social-emotional, and career counseling.
• Intervenes in occurrences of inappropriate behavior of students (crisis situations, mental health support to students and staff, etc.) for the purpose of assisting students in modifying such behavior and developing successful interpersonal skills.
• Monitors students' progress (group and individual counseling, etc.) for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success.
• Prepares a wide variety of materials (quantity reports, student activities, correspondence, audits, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Presents information to students (student records, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback, and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.
• Researches program eligibility requirements (services available to parents and students, etc.) for the purpose of providing up-to-date, accurate counsel to students.
• Schedules student classes for the purpose of ensuring students receive individual, social, and postsecondary or career planning assistance.
• Supervises assigned programs (mentoring program, peer counseling, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth, and achieving overall curriculum objectives.
• Prepares reports on students being counseled (attendance, student activities, correspondence, audits, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Develops and maintains a written plan for effective delivery of the school counseling program.
• Communicates the goals of the comprehensive school counseling program to education stakeholders (i.e., administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community/business leaders).
• Uses data to develop comprehensive programs that meet student needs.
• Implements developmentally appropriate and prevention-oriented large group and small group activities to meet student needs and school goals.
• Assists all students, individually or in groups, with developing academic, career and personal/social skills, goals, and plans.
• Accurately and appropriately interprets and utilizes student data to develop and evaluate program goals.
• Collaborates with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with educational, career, and life planning.
• Provides individual and group counseling to students with identified concerns and needs.
• Consults and collaborates effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs.
• Implements an effective referral and follow-up process as needed.
• Accurately and appropriately uses assessment procedures for determining and structuring individual and group counseling services.
• Participates in professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills.
• Adheres to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession.
• Collects and analyzes data to guide program direction and emphasis.
• Measures results of the comprehensive school counseling program activities and shares results as appropriate with relevant stakeholders.

Marginal Functions
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Competencies
• Skills-based Competencies Required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; preparing and maintaining accurate records; planning and managing projects; facilitating meetings; promoting activities and/or events; and using pertinent software applications.
• Knowledge-based Competencies Required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: stages of child development; basic counseling skills, management, and leadership; ability to work with individuals, small groups, classroom groups, and collaboratively with stakeholders; ability to communicate effectively; demonstrated skills in oral and written communication; demonstrated skills in organization and problem solving; ability to analyze existing processes and identify areas for improvement, possess awareness of the personal values, beliefs and biases, knowledge of counselor and client identity development, worldviews, the nuances of culture and the positive and negative effects of privileged and marginalized statuses, and ability to tailor interventions that align with the cultural worldview of students and families.
• Ability-based Competencies Required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing a variety of complex processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with frequent interruptions.

Requirements


S-5 certification in school counseling

Physical Requirements The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity.


Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing. Continuing Education/Training Maintains all licenses and certifications

Clearances


Criminal Justice Fingerprint


Background Clearance

Fair Labor Standards Act


Exempt