North Jefferson MS / Rudd MS - Middle School Counselor

Middle School Counselor

Supervisor: Principal, Director of School Counseling

Job Goal: To provide high quality comprehensive counseling and guidance programs for middle school students.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree or its equivalent from an accredited university
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of educational guidance, child growth and development theory, educational testing and measurement, counseling, and the administration of guidance services.
• Valid Alabama teaching certificate.
• Ability to meet the suitability criteria for employment and/or certification/licensure under the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 and Act No. 2002-457.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on communication and collaboration with a wide variety of people and groups.
• Ability to manage budgets and develop curriculum and programming specific to the needs of middle school students.
• Ability to solve problems as a productive team member.
• Ability to use technology to communicate, to plan and provide instruction, to facilitate student learning, to manage data, and to produce/submit required reports, correspondence, and/or financial information.
• Physical strength, mobility, dexterity, stamina, and acuity to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to be punctual and in regular attendance.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may require.

Performance Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

1. Demonstrates support for the school system and its vision, goals and priorities.
2. Conducts counseling and guidance learning activities in the classroom in collaboration with the teaching staff for each assigned grade level during the school year.
3. Consults with and is a resource to teachers to facilitate the infusion of counseling content into the regular education curriculum.
4. Collaborates with elementary and high school personnel to assist students in making a smooth transition to middle school and to high school.
5. Provides orientation activities for incoming students and their parents.
6. Utilizes technology to plan and provide instruction and facilitate student learning.
7. Guides eighth grade students in the development of their high school four-year educational plans.
8. Informs students and parents of test results and their implications for educational and career planning.
9. Interprets group or individual test results to faculty and administration for use in enhancing instruction.
10. Coordinates, plans, and participates in the implementation of the school system and/or state assessment program in conjunction with the principal.
11. Guides students in updating their middle school four-year educational plans.
12. Plans and coordinates the registration of students.
13. Coordinates career assessments and interprets results to students to assist in their career and educational planning.
14. Guides all students to develop educational/career plans using appropriate career development activities and programs.
15. Provides for the systematic and efficient dissemination of current, accurate information needed by students and/or parents as they develop their educational or career plans.
16. Provides individual assistance to students regarding personal, social, educational, and career issues and plans.
17. Conducts structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions to meet the identified needs of individuals and groups of students.
18. Plans and conducts staff development programs and activities.
19. Facilitates conferences with teachers and/or parents and/or students.
20. Plans and conducts parent education programs.
21. Assists families with school-related problems and issues.
22. Provides information regarding community-based resources to parents and students as appropriate.
23. Communicates with administrators, teachers, students, parents, and the community regarding the counseling and guidance program and its role in the educational program.
24. Identifies student needs periodically and uses the results for program planning.
25. Establishes a planning calendar for counseling and guidance program activities.
26. Attends local, state, and national staff development programs, workshops, and conferences to improve professional performance and knowledge.
27. Maintains confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters in accordance with state and federal law.
28. Demonstrates initiative in identifying opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility.
29. Engages in professional growth and demonstrates professional ethics and effective leadership.
30. Responds to inquiries and requests in a timely and positive manner.
31. Maintains and submits required reports, records, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner.
32. Properly cares for equipment and material resources of the school system.
33. Uses effective collaboration skills to work as a productive team member.
34. Adheres to school system rules, administrative procedures, local Board policies, and state, federal, and local laws.
35. Reports absences and takes leave in accordance with Board policies and procedures.
36. Performs any other job-related duties as assigned by the principal, assistant principal, or supervisor.

Terms of Employment: As established by the Board and applicable state law.

Evaluation: Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned. The Jefferson County Board of Education reserves the right to amend the job description as needed.