Guidance Counselor- Secondary (San Angelo)

TEXAS LEADERSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Job Title: Guidance Counselor - Secondary

Department: Education

Reports To: Campus Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt/12 months

GENERAL PURPOSE:


Provide guidance and counseling services conducive to all students achieving their individual potential academically, socially, and emotionally. The position is also responsible for coordinating standardized testing for the campuses s/he is responsible for as well as working with students and parents to develop educational and occupational academic plans. The guidance counselor will assist the lead campus administrator in developing a master schedule for the upcoming academic year, as needed or directed.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. This employee may be required to work with at-risk students.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Collaborate with the School Director and Campus Principal to develop a written guidance plan outlining specific areas of responsibility, annual school guidance program goals, and activities for attaining goals. (See some expected activities below*)
  1. Redesign and update yearly, the High School course catalog to include:
     • Guidance for specific, grade-level planning.
     • Guide students to an understanding of the importance and relevance of endorsements as prescribed by the TEA.
     • Pathways and endorsements individualized for each grade level.
     • Guidance for students and parents to build a solid and fitting high school plan.
     • Various/general employment pathways and appropriate post-secondary educational requirements.
     • Opportunities for aptitude assessments where students and parents gain an understanding of where a student's gifts, strengths or talents may lie.
  2. Meet individually with incoming freshmen to solidify IGP's and re-visit as needed.
  3. Provide opportunities for incoming freshmen to understand the classes and programs that are offered. This might be done during an orientation where all department heads are present.
  4. Provide scholarship information and opportunities where help or guidance is available; possibly with college/university/industry professionals guiding to successful award.
  5. Host military recruiting personnel and allow students time to understand opportunities and education offered through the various military branches.
• Coordinate the administration of the standardized testing program for the campus and interpret results for students, parents, and professional personnel.
• Consult with teachers and other staff members to promote maximum learning in the classroom.
• Demonstrate skill in coaching staff and teachers, provide technical assistance to instructional staff concerning counseling and guidance.
• Collaborate with teachers and administration to develop student improvement plans to assist students in reaching their academic potential.
• Work with teachers to develop student improvement plans that will assist students in developing their academic potential.
• Develop a guidance plan incorporating academic success, personal/social growth, and college and career information.
• Promote and support efforts to help each student develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school policies for public school guidance and counseling.
• Keep informed of graduation requirements and TLCA curriculum.
• Demonstrate responsibility for the accurate certification of graduation requirements including state testing for assigned students.
• Works with the School Director and Campus Principal to develop a master schedule and create student schedules.

School/Organizational Improvement

• Develop long-range and short-range plans for a complete guidance program based on the needs and expectations of the populations to be served.
• Collaborate with campus administration on crisis management planning.
• Provide staff training as assigned.

Student Success

• Assist students in learning appropriate school behavior and in developing self-understanding and social skills through individual and group guidance and counseling activities.
• Work with students and their parents to develop educational and occupational plans.
• Conduct student registration activities
• Review or supervise review of student transcripts for accuracy and correct course placement.
• Provide information to students and parents about course offerings, college, financial aid, and careers.
• Assist students and parents with postsecondary planning during guidance lessons, presentations, and individual academic conferences.
• Maintain accurate information about graduation requirements, course offerings, and program options.
• Assist students with application for postsecondary education including letters of recommendation as requested.
• Assist students and parents in awareness of and application processes for scholarship
• Assist in placement of students in special programs.
• Provide individual and group counseling for students and consult with their parents concerning problems that interfere with learning.
• Attend and participate in college updates.

Professional Growth and Development

• Develop professional skills appropriate to guidance and counseling.
• Develop a base of knowledge concerning college admission requirements and appropriate academic planning.
• Network with other professionals to increase knowledge of academic planning and college admission.
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible and serve as a role model for all district staff.
• Attend and participate in all required district counseling and guidance professional development opportunities.
• Disseminate ideas and information to other professionals; provide leadership in addressing the challenges facing the profession.
• Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of TLCA and follow directives from superiors.
• Follow attendance policy as assigned by supervisor.
• Perform other functions that may be assigned by administration and/or supervisor.

School/Community Relations

• Communicate clearly the district's needs and programs to the parents and the community and respond to their concerns in a timely manner.
• Refer parent(s) or guardian(s) to appropriate community resources
• Maintain and be aware of community resources, referrals, and other assistance available to students and families.
• Take an active role in communicating the district's guidance program to the community.
• Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor and communication style with students, parents, and staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Master's Degree Guidance and Counseling
• Valid Texas counselor's certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the types of services provided by counselors
• Technology skills including computer skills, Microsoft application

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of teaching experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Mental Demands:

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; coordinate district functions; maintain emotional control under stress.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Occasional district-wide and statewide travel.
• Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions.