School Counselor - High School

JOB TITLE: School Counselor

SITE: Byron Elementary School

PAY SCALE/TYPE: Certified Salary Scale

RETIREMENT: TRS

WORK YEAR: 10 months/190 days

REPORTS TO: Principal

JOB SUMMARY: Utilizing leadership, advocacy and collaboration, School Counselors promote student success, provide preventative services, and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the academic, career and personal/social development for all students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Resolves conflicts which may be created between the individual and the school as a democratic institution

Helps to plan and develop the guidance program and the curriculum in relation to the needs of the student.

Helps each student to understand himself/herself in relation to the social and psychological world in which he/she lives; self-acceptance; development of personal decision-making competencies; and resolving special problems, whether they be educational, vocational, or personal/social in nature.

Assumes the role of leader and consultant in the school's program of student appraisal by coordinating the accumulation and use of meaningful information concerning the student.

Interprets information concerning students and communicates this information to the students, their parents, their teachers, and to others who are professionally concerned.

Helps to identify students with special abilities or needs.

Collects and disseminates to students and their parents any information concerning school offerings, opportunities for further education and career training opportunities.

Coordinates the use of services available beyond those he/she can provide by making students and their parents aware of the availability of such services.

Makes appropriate referrals and maintains liaison and cooperative working relationships with other student service specialists and with agencies in the community where special services are available.

Encourages the development and/or extension of community agencies for meeting special student needs that are not already adequately met.

Assists in providing placement services for students by helping teachers and administrators plan for the grouping and scheduling of students.

Helps students make appropriate choices of school programs and develop long-range plans of study.

Coordinates placement work with others for the most effective use of the place services available in the school and community.

Assists parents by acting as a consultant to them regarding the growth and development of their children and provides them with information concerning their children.

Serves as a consultant to members of the administrative and teaching staffs in the area of guidance by sharing appropriate individual student data, helping them to identify students with special needs and problems, participating in the in-service training programs, assisting teachers to secure materials and develop procedures for a variety of classroom group guidance experiences.

Assumes any other duties as directed by the principal.

QUALIFICATIONS: The individual must be able to perform each essential job duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed to perform the job at a fully acceptable level.

Education, Experience, and/or Certification

Master's degree in school counseling and/or school social work.

Must hold or be eligible to hold a S-5 certification in school counseling.

Experience counseling students in an educational setting preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate a guidance and counseling program based on student needs.

Proven skills in counseling/advising individuals and groups.

Ability to consult with teachers, staff, and parents regarding the needs of students.

Strong leadership qualities and organizational skills to include managing large volumes of work efficiently within specified timelines.

Maintains pattern of prompt and regular attendance.

Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the use of computer applications applicable to the job responsibilities.

Ability to perform duties in full compliance with all district, Board of Education, state and federal laws, methods, requirements, policies, procedures, and activities pertinent to the duties of this position.

Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

Ability to use independent judgment and demonstrates initiative to act without being asked.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, employees in this category are normally exposed to a typical office environment. The employee has some control over the length of time sitting, standing, or ambulating.

There are occasions that require the lifting or pulling of equipment or supplies, as well as bending, stooping, or stretching. There is frequent use of computers, telephone, and other standard office equipment, which includes reading, listening, writing, or speaking.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in this environment