The Brown County Middle (BCMS) School Counselor is responsible for providing a comprehensive school counseling program that is preventative in design, developmental in implementation, and supports Brown County Middle School students in the areas of academic achievement, career and college planning, and personal and social development. The school counselor at BCMS also serves as a consultant to educators, families and community partners.

The BCMS School Counselor reports to the school principal, while receiving technical assistance and guidance from the Director of Student Support Services and the Director of Career Connected Learning. The BCMS School Counselor works closely with students and their families. A collaborative working relationship with BCMS leadership, staff, area social services agencies, and our K-12 team of Student Services Personnel is central to the position.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in School Counseling.
• Meets Indiana Department of Education certification requirements for School Counseling and retains a current and valid certification as a professional school counselor.
• Familiarity with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, ASCA National Standards, ASCA School Counselor Competencies and ASCA School Counselor Performance Standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Middle School Counselor is responsible for developing, implementing and managing a comprehensive school counseling program to serve the academic, social-emotional and career development needs of students in grades 6 through 8. Through implementing a comprehensive approach, the school counseling program supports each student’s success in meeting the Brown County Schools Graduate Profile Competencies. More specifically, the Middle School Counselor performs the following:

Development and Management

• Uses data to develop and inform the school counseling program and evaluates the program’s impact on the school’s instructional goals.
• Collaborates on the development and management of the comprehensive school counseling program with instructional leaders.
• Communicates and shares the goals of the comprehensive school counseling program to stakeholders including students, families and community partners.
• Uses the majority of the time (80%) to provide direct services to students through preventive and responsive services, including individual student planning, and uses the remaining time in development and management, system support and accountability.

Preventative and Responsive Services

• Designs, implements and assesses the guidance curriculum.
• Utilizes responsive counseling, initiating individual and group sessions for students’ academic, social and personal concerns in collaboration with the School Social Worker.
• Consults with families and staff to appraise student needs and interests and to discuss appropriate recommendations for educational options.
• Plans, coordinates and supports Career Connected Learning experiences in the areas of academic achievement, career and educational development, and personal and social development to assist students in developing decision-making skills and identifying life goals.
• Assesses student needs and makes referrals to appropriate school resource personnel, social agencies, community agencies and alternative programs.
• Intervenes during crisis situations and participates on school crisis team.

Individual Student Planning

• Prepares students for the transition to high school and post high school activities/options.
• Assist students in navigating academic and community experiences through the use student surveys and other planning tools.
• Collaborates with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with educational and career planning. Participates in school management teams in order to advocate for students needs and provide guidance for school staff.

System Support

• Guides, coordinates and supports other school staff in implementing school wide advisory programs.
• Collaborates with the Principal in the development of building master schedule.
• Uses responsive counseling strategies to establish relationships and collaborate with educators, students, families, and community partners which reflect recognition of and respect for each individual.
• Promotes an understanding and appreciation of diverse population and cultures.
• Assists families in obtaining services for their children through an appropriate referral and follow-up process.
• Collaborates with the School Test Coordinator (Principal) in the administration building wide assessments.
• Assists teachers in understanding their students, including providing and interpreting student data.
• Provides in-service training on topics related to the school counseling program and supporting student achievement

Accountability

• Prepares and submits a variety of requested reports and data, to ensure fulfillment of established program requirements aligned with Title I Part A.
• Uses all available data, including academic grades, discipline referrals and attendance data, to identify students in need and to deliver services.
• Interprets tests, student data and other assessment results alongside instructional leaders for the purpose of developing and implementing academic plans for individual students.