Middle School Guidance Counselor

PRIMARY PURPOSE:Plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive program of guidance, including counseling services to school assigned. Use a planning process to define needs and priorities of population served. Provide a proactive, developmental guidance program for all students to maximize personal growth and development.

QUALIFICATIONS:Education/Certification:Master's degree in guidance and counselingValid Arkansas counselor's licenseSpecial Knowledge/Skills:Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, and career developmentExcellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skillsMaintain a calm and patient demeanor with students and othersExperience:Teaching experience preferred.School Counseling experience preferred.Demonstrated success in mediation & relationship building.

REPORTS TO: Principal

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Maintain professional behavior, appearance, and work ethic to represent the school district in a positive manner at all times.Articulate a positive image of the school district and school district personnel.Demonstrate effective customer service strategies to all district patrons.Effectively plan and implement the school guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs.Teach the school developmental guidance curriculum to students.Assist teaching staff in teaching of guidance-related curriculum.Provide guidance to individuals and groups of students to develop education, career, and personal plans.Provide counseling to individuals and small groups.Collaborate with other school and district staff to design testing and appraisal programs for students.Use an effective referral process to help students and others use special programs and services.Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and the local board policy in the area of guidance and counseling.Present for students a positive role model that supports the mission of the school district.Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.Assess and respond to needs related to job responsibilities.Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the guidance program and implement changes based on the findings.Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.Develop needed professional skills appropriate to job assignments.Demonstrate awareness of school-community needs and initiate activities to meet those identified needs.Demonstrate the use of appropriate and effective techniques for community and parent involvement.Assist with award assemblies and other special programs.Assist with all student testing.Be responsible for attending Individual Education Plan and Response to Intervention meetings as requested.Other duties as assigned.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Attend all meetings and training sessions as directed.Be a part of the Special Ed team by attending team meetings.School test coordinator for Standardized Achievement Tests.Assist administrators with the distribution and interpretation of standardized tests scores for students and parents.Attend IEP and 504 meetings according to caseload.Supporting the overall district's educational program through general consultation activities and committee work.Duties as assigned by building principal.