26-27 Counselor - Grades 6-8

Middle School Counselor

As a member of the district guidance staff, the middle school counselor provides a comprehensive guidance program for students, consults with teachers, staff and parents to enhance their effectiveness in helping students, and provide support to the middle school educational programs.

Qualifications:

• Missouri Counseling Certification/License
• Teaching experience and/or counseling experience

Reports To: Building Principal

Performance Responsibilities:

• Implement the middle school guidance curriculum.
• Guide and counsel groups and individual students through the development of educational and career plans.
• Counsel small groups and individual students.
• Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding meeting the needs of students.
• Refer students to appropriate community resources in consultation with their parents and other district staff.
• Participate in, coordinate or conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.
• Evaluate and revise the building guidance program.
• Pursue professional growth.
• Coordinate and maintain all Section 504 plans for students in the building.
• Serve on Teacher Support Team.

Key Duties:

• Implement the middle school guidance curriculum: conduct guidance learning activities in the classroom as planned in conjunction with school administration and teachers; consult with and/or be a resource person for teachers to facilitate the infusion of guidance learning activities into the regular education curriculum.
• Guide and counsel groups and individual students through the development of educational and career plans: provide orientation activities for students new to the school; participate in orientation programs for parents and students; assist students in the transition from middle school to high school; inform students and their parents of test results and their implications for educational planning; provide resources and information to assist in career awareness and career exploration activities.
• Counsel small groups and individual students: conduct structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions to meet the identified needs of individuals or groups of students. Session topics at the middle school level may include self awareness, self-identity, academic problems, anger management, grief or loss, behavior problems, attendance, peer problems, family issues, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
• Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding meeting the needs of students: participate in staffings; conduct in-service program for faculty; conduct and facilitate conferences with teachers, students, and parents; provide opportunities for parent education program; assist families with school-related problems; provide curricular support.
• Refer students to appropriate community agencies in consultation with their parents and district staff. Consult and coordinate with in-district and community agencies, such as administrators, school psychologists, school nurses, physicians, and community-based mental health providers
• Coordinate, conduct or participate in activities which contribute to the effective operation of the school: interpret group tests results to faculty and staff, establish effective liaisons with all grade levels of instructional departments; act as an advocate for students as appropriate in conjunction with other staff, assist other school staff in the placement of students with special needs in appropriate programs such as gifted education and special education; participate with the administration and faculty as a team member in the implementation of the district testing program; and help sponsor programs such as the Peer Helpers, Rappers, Prime Time, and the Character Education Program.
• Evaluate and revise the building guidance program: administer a needs assessment every three years, review periodically with staff and administration the guidance program using the program evaluation self-study, review and modify the program calendar and evaluate guidance learning activities.
• Pursue professional growth; attend state and local staff development programs; join professional associations, read professional journals; participate in relevant workshops, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
• Chair all 504 meetings and coordinate 504 compliance.

1. Other related duties as assigned by the principal.