Counselor

Counselor

Plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program at the assigned campus. Counsel students to fully develop each student's academic, career, college, military, personal, and social abilities while addressing the needs of special populations and at-risk students. Provide individual and group counseling, academic advising, graduation planning, course scheduling, transcript review, and college and career readiness support in alignment with Texas Education Agency requirements and district goals. Support campus initiatives related to student achievement, CCMR (College, Career, and Military Readiness), STAAR performance, graduation requirements, attendance improvement, social-emotional learning, and the Texas AF Accountability System.

Education/Certification (Required): Master's degree in counseling from an accredited college or university. Valid Texas School Counselor Certificate issued by SBEC.

Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, transcript evaluation, and career development. Knowledge of CCMR indicators, dual credit programs, Personal Graduation Plans (PGPs), CTE pathways, STAAR/EOC graduation requirements, GPA calculation, and postsecondary readiness planning. Knowledge of Texas AF Accountability System, STAAR testing requirements, and academic intervention systems. Knowledge of course scheduling, four-year planning, credit requirements, and transcript auditing. Knowledge of responsive services, crisis intervention, mental health supports, and student support systems. Knowledge of Section 504, MTSS/RTI processes, and special population services. Ability to counsel students individually and in small or large groups. Ability to present information effectively to students, parents, staff, and community members. Ability to interpret assessment data and use data to guide student interventions and planning. Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, and technology skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics. Ability to collaborate effectively with campus and district personnel. Knowledge of high school master scheduling, transcript evaluation, graduation audits, endorsement pathways, and credit requirements. Experience: Three years creditable experience as a classroom teacher (Required).

Major Responsibilities and Duties: Guidance and Counseling: Plan and conduct structured group lessons to deliver the district's guidance curriculum effectively and in accordance with students' developmental needs. Collaborate with teachers who teach guidance-related curriculum. Provide individual and group counseling to assist students with academic achievement, social-emotional development, career awareness, conflict resolution, and postsecondary planning. Guide students and parents in educational planning, graduation requirements, endorsement selection, course scheduling, transcript review, credit monitoring, and postsecondary opportunities. Develop, review, and monitor Personal Graduation Plans (PGPs), four-year plans, and graduation pathways to ensure students remain on track for graduation and CCMR readiness. Assist students and parents with course selection, four-year planning, endorsement pathways, graduation requirements, schedule development, schedule changes, and academic planning to support on-time graduation and postsecondary readiness. Provide preventive, remedial, and crisis counseling services using accepted counseling theories and effective developmental guidance practices. Serve as an impartial, non-reporting resource for interpersonal conflicts and discourse involving students, including allegations of bullying and peer conflict. Support student transition activities including middle school to high school and high school to postsecondary education, military, or workforce opportunities. Academic Planning and Accountability: Monitor student academic progress, attendance, discipline, STAAR performance, graduation status, and CCMR indicators to identify students in need of intervention and support. Review, monitor, and audit student transcripts, credits, GPA, class rank, STAAR/EOC requirements, and graduation plans to ensure accuracy and compliance with state and district requirements. Collaborate with administrators and campus staff in developing and implementing the master schedule and student course placement processes. Utilize assessment data, STAAR results, transcripts, and academic records to assist students in goal setting, course selection, intervention planning, and graduation planning. Support campus and district accountability efforts related to the Texas AF Accountability System, CCMR outcomes, graduation rates, and student achievement initiatives. Assist with academic interventions, credit recovery programs, dropout prevention efforts, and at-risk student support systems. Collaborate with administrators, teachers, interventionists, and support staff to improve student performance and remove barriers to academic success. Consultation and Coordination: Coordinate school, home, and community resources and refer students and parents to special programs and services as needed. Work collaboratively with staff, families, and community agencies to advocate for individual students and specific student groups. Participate in campus committees and meetings including MTSS/RTI, Section 504, LPAC, ARD, attendance, behavior, and crisis response teams as assigned. Coordinate and assist with college, career, scholarship, FAFSA/TASFA, military, and postsecondary awareness activities. Assessment and Records: Interpret standardized test results, assessment data, transcripts, and academic records to guide students in individual planning and goal setting. Maintain accurate and confidential student records, counseling documentation, transcripts, schedules, and reports in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines. Maintain confidentiality of student information and assessment data in compliance with FERPA and professional counseling standards. Program Management and Administration: Plan, implement, evaluate, and promote continuous improvement of a balanced comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program that includes guidance curriculum, responsive services, individual planning, and system support components. Advocate for a positive, inclusive, and respectful school environment that acknowledges and respects diversity and promotes student well-being. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documentation accurately and timely. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, Texas Education Code, and board policy. Adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards for school counselors including current professional standards of competence and practice. Professional Responsibilities: Adhere to ethical and legal standards and model behavior that is professional, responsible, and supportive of district goals. Participate in professional development activities to maintain professional competence and improve skills related to counseling, CCMR, mental health, graduation planning, accountability systems, and student support services. Stay current on TEA requirements, graduation pathways, accountability standards, and counseling best practices. Other: Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures. Perform all other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise assigned counseling employee(s). Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment. Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting. Motion: Frequent walking. Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior. Environment: Work inside, may work outside. Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours.