Social Worker

School Counselor

Summary: To develop and implement a comprehensive school counseling program to address academic, career and personal and social development for all students.

Essential functions: Incumbent must achieve the following outcomes with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Development and implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program driven by student data and based on academic, career and personal/social development, to promote and enhance the learning process for all students (based on 6.63.6 NMSA; school counselor competencies).
• Delivers the four program components (ASCA Model): foundation (program focus, student competencies, & professional competencies); management (assessments & tools); delivery (direct & indirect student services) and accountability (data analysis, program results, evaluation and improvement).
• Coordinates delivery of a needs assessment for the counseling program and evaluates the counseling program for continuous improvement.
• Provides short-term individual and group counseling opportunities for students to promote school success, personal growth, self-understanding, communication, problem solving and decision making skills.
• Assists families by providing referrals to outside agencies for students with acute or chronic mental health needs.
• Orients students and parents regarding current and future educational goals and career objectives.
• Assists in curriculum development, professional development and identification of interventions to assist students.
• Consults with administration, staff and parents regarding student's academic, career, social, emotional, & behavioral needs.
• Serves on the school health/mental health team.
• Calculates student progress toward successful completion of educational program at school (high school).
• Regularly attends EPS district counseling meetings to keep current on policies, procedures and best practices regarding school counseling programs and issues.
• Serves on the team that facilitates the development of the school/community social and health assessment as a required component of the state accreditation process as needed

Duties: In addition to the essential function of this job, the incumbent must perform the following duties:

• Assists with test preparation (e.g. test-taking skills, staff training) and interpretation of standardized testing data to evaluate students' needs and areas of support.
• Complies with state-approved Code of Ethics for the education profession and upholds and enforces rules, administrative directives and regulations, school board policies, and local, state and federal regulations.
• Articulates and facilitates the implementation of the mission and values of the Española Public Schools.
• Safeguards confidentiality of privileged information.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and complete records and reports as required by law, state directives, District policy and administrative regulations.
• Shares the responsibility for the supervision and care of District inventory, proper and safe use of facilities, equipment and supplies, and reports safety hazards promptly.
• Maintains professional relationships and works cooperatively with employees, the community and other professionals.
• Maintains professional competence through individual and staff training, in-service educational activities and self-selected professional growth activities.
• Attends and/or conducts staff meetings and participates on committees within area of responsibility.
• Performs other tasks related to area of responsibility as requested or assigned by an immediate supervisor.

Required EPS pre-employment and other employment conditions:

• Satisfactory completion of criminal background verification and pre-employment drug screening.

Minimum required education, licenses, certifications, experience and skills:

• Master's degree, with required course work in Guidance and Counseling.
• Valid State of New Mexico, Public Education Department Licensure in School Counseling
• Three (3) years of experience in a public school setting or counseling environment preferred.
• Counseling skills in a range of diverse needs, including group, college/career readiness; mediation/conflict resolution, and/or mental health.

Preferred knowledge, skills, abilities and experience:

• Knowledge and use of ASCA model highly desirable.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Flexibility, organization, decision-making and problem solving skills.
• Strong Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, multi-task, and coordinate activities with others.
• Knowledge of Espanola Public School District policies.
• Knowledge of all laws, regulations and guidelines in regards to the educational process.