Guidance Counselor

Important note: Applications are accepted via School Spring only. Please do not contact us via mail or email.

JOB GOAL:To provide individual and group student planning through proactive measures which reduce barriers to student learning and responsive services to address the immediate student needs in a collaborative fashion to meet the academic, career and personal/social needs of each student at their developmentally appropriate level.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.District Wide
a)Effectively promotes and communicates the district's Mission, Vision, Goals and Values to students, parents and the community.
b)Upholds District policies, local, state and federal laws and regulations.
c)Demonstrates concern for and acts to assure the safety, security and welfare of students and coworkers.
d)Maintains current knowledge of school safety plan.
e)Shows respect for all students, parents, coworkers, community members and visitors and does not discriminate based on age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
f)Has good attendance and is punctual, notifying supervisor of illness and personal requests in a timely fashion.
g)Maintains confidentiality regarding personal and work/school related information for all students and staff of the district
2.Department [Specific Job Responsibilities]
A.General:
a.Counsels students on educational, vocational and personal issues.
b.Meets with each student a minimum of twice per year.
c.Monitors student progress and communicates and/or meets with parents/guardians as necessary or requested.
d.Registers new students and orients them to NMRHS/MS policies, practices, and opportunities and the school building .
e.Respects the privacy and confidentiality of students and staff as per MGL.
f.Complies with mandated reporting laws (51A).
g.Educates teachers, staff, parents and community in the general services available through the School Counseling Office.
h.Participates in department meetings regularly.
i.Attends and participates in IEP, and 504,
j.Attends faculty meetings.
k.Collaborates with district staff, DSS, DYS, and other significant individuals in students' lives as appropriate with proper releases as necessary.
l.Confers with the student's previous counselor(s) to aid in the continuity of services.
m.Attends evening programs for parents as appropriate.
n.Collects and reports statistical data as requested
o.All duties as assigned for the staff at the building
p.Other duties as assigned.

B.Academic:
a.Maintains a working knowledge of the NMRHS/MS Program of Studies.
b.Advises students and parents/guardians of graduation requirements and guides them in the selection of an appropriate course of study for the career/academic path expressed by the student.
c.Complies with scheduling timelines as indicated by the Administration through meeting with all assigned students individually or in small groups to ensure appropriate course selections are made.
d.Develops and delivers appropriate group guidance activities as indicated in the Guidance curriculum.
e.Monitors all assigned student records in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.
f.Interprets test scores for students, parent and teachers, where appropriate, to aid in individual student planning.
g.Maintains a functional knowledge of the college application process and financial aide information
h.Prepares and assists with grade appropriate presentations (college/financial aid/four year planning etc.)
i.Assists students and their parents/guardians through the college search and application process.
j.Provides information on Financial Aid.

C.Career:
a.Provides career information on occupational outlook, training opportunities and employability skills.
b.Aids students in exploring their interests and aptitudes through the interpretation of interest/aptitude inventory results and providing resources for students to access such inventories.
c.Provides resources for alternative educational programs
d.Utilizes all career resources available and helps students familiarize themselves with the information
e.Guides students in preparation for employment.
f.Assists students in understanding themselves in relation to the development of realistic career goals and post-secondary options.
g.Help students understand the relationship of the educational experience to the world of work.
h.Develops and delivers appropriate group guidance activities.

D.Personal/Social:
a.Assists students with conflict resolution and enhances his/her own conflict resolution skills.
b. Mediates interpersonal conflicts, models and explains good listening and problem solving skills.
c.Advocates for students and promotes self-reliance.
d.Makes referrals to outside agencies as appropriate.
e.Supports students' individuality.
f.Develops and delivers appropriate group guidance activities.
g.Assists students in good decision-making skill development.
h.Monitors student attendance and discipline and assists the dean of students (if requested) in addressing issues of inappropriate behavior and absenteeism.
i.Responds quickly and appropriately when made aware of a personal issue that may become a barrier to educational achievement.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary to be established by the Superintendent of Schools based of salary schedule in force at time of hiring.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the School Committee's policy on evaluation of school personnel.