School Counselor

School Counselor

Hired as an Upshur County Schools Counselor with a home school of Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School. Home school location is subject to change based upon need. Immediate supervisor is the Principal. Exempt from FLSA status for 210 days annually, pursuant to WV Code §18-5-45; extended employment terms may be established by UCBOE. Salary is in accordance with Upshur County Teacher Salary Schedule, commensurate with experience and education level.

A professional school counselor who develops, delivers, and maintains a data driven, comprehensive developmental counseling program addressing the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students.

Performance responsibilities include:

• Delivering guidance curriculum collaboration with classroom teachers and other appropriate professionals.
• Assisting in ensuring compliance to WVBE Policy 2315.
• Providing direct and indirect services to students as per WVBE Policy 2315.
• Providing counseling for students on an individual and group basis in the effort to solve personal problems, and providing developmental, preventive and remedial guidance and counseling programs to meet academic, social, emotional and personal needs.
• Obtaining and disseminating occupational information to students.
• Organizing transition programs for students entering/leaving the school.
• Providing individual and group counseling to help students evaluate career/educational interests and choices.
• Assisting in scheduling of new students – i.e., subjects needed, credit verification, securing records, etc.
• Assisting in the placement of students in appropriate classes, electives, and alternative educational programs.
• Providing crisis intervention for students who have serious, urgent or chronic problems.
• Working to prevent students from dropping out of school through individual and group counseling aid: At Risk Students.
• Providing information for students and parents about at-risk programs.
• Coordinating referrals of students to pupil services and to community agencies, such as mental health, human services, etc.
• Consulting with teachers, staff, and parents regarding the academic, personal and social needs of students.
• Coordinating guidance and counseling related activities. (i.e., career and college day programs).
• Interpreting test results for students, teachers, parents, and other individuals, upon request.
• Providing information for students and parents about financial aid (High School Counselor).
• Using and analyzing student data to maximize students' performance and academic opportunities.
• Assisting in the coordination of the school advisory program.
• Collecting and analyzing counseling program data to refine and improve program delivery.
• Devoting no more than 25% of the workday to counselor related administrative duties.
• Performing all duties within the professional ethics outlined in the ASCA National Model.
• Attending and participating in all required in-service programs.
• Staying current through professional development opportunities.
• Sharing expertise and knowledge with the staff.
• Familiarity and experience with WVEIS.
• Demonstrating punctuality and dependability.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the Professional School Counselor Standards.
• Performing other duties as assigned by principal.

Qualifications include:

• Valid Master's Degree in School Counseling.
• Must hold or be eligible for a West Virginia Service Certificate in Guidance and Counseling, pursuant to WV Code §18-5-18b; may consider those eligible for permit if no certified applicants.
• Criminal background check conducted pursuant to WV Code §18-5-15c and/or §18A-3-10, as appropriate.

Work environment is indoors with outdoor settings for recess and field trip activities. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate (20-60 dB). Exceptions include gymnasiums as well as vocational/technical laboratories where the noise levels may be moderate to loud (60-90 dB).

The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee.