Guidance Counselor

(Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt; Unit A

Reports to: Counseling Department Head/School Principal

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual's qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY:

The School Guidance Counselor is responsible for meeting the developmental needs of students. The School Guidance Counselor position supports students with many issues, such as social/emotional, substance use/abuse, academic, and post-graduate planning, through the use of counseling, consulting, coordinating, and managing.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in school counseling
• Appropriate DESE license
• Ability to handle multitude of varying and complex issues
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to use technology effectively

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to work autonomously and make independent decisions
• Ability to organize tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks
• Recognize and understand students' individual interests that may translate into a meaningful academic and post-secondary plan
• Good judgment and good problem-solving skills
• Good clinical skills to support substance use/abuse and social/emotional issues

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Provide individual and group counseling support to students.
• Support students with their academic, social/emotional, substance use/abuse, and post-graduate planning needs.
• Work collaboratively with counseling colleagues, teachers, deans, and other administrators.
• Collect, maintain, and present data when applicable.
• Attend and participate in parent night events as needed.
• Consult and collaborate with families and outside agencies to support student needs.
• Facilitate meetings with relevant stakeholders regarding student needs.
• Participate in professional development to remain current with school counseling practices
• Consistent and on-time attendance is required
• Responsible for implementing "other job related duties" as needed

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

• Majority of work is performed in an office setting within the school environment, which is primarily confidential.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the counselor is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear. The counselor is occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Must have sufficient mobility to navigate within a large school building.