CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under the supervision of a school counselor, works with students to provide information concerning careers, continuing education, and postsecondary education financial aid; and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Disseminates information to students, including pamphlets, books, and audio-visual aids for the purpose of stimulating interest and discussion concerning careers, vocations, and continuing education; provides assistance to students in locating specific information and literature regarding careers, occupational training programs, colleges, universities, and trade schools; assists students in the completion of various applications and educational financial aid forms; assists students in completing individualized tasks assigned by a school counselor; assists school counselors in establishing and maintaining student records; compiles, records, and updates routine reports as necessary; locates and acquires career and postsecondary education materials and assembles information packets for teachers for classroom use; maintains inventories of books and pamphlets and replenishes materials as necessary; responds to telephone inquiries concerning general guidance counseling activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience. Graduation from high school (or G.E.D. equivalent). Previous office and clerical experience in a counseling or school related setting is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skill. Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of guidance counseling, knowledge of occupational and educational guidance resources, general knowledge of Chicago Public Schools rules and regulations.

Ability to work with and for school-aged children and school personnel, ability to follow written and verbal instructions, ability to establish and maintain routine records and reports.

Good oral and written communication skills, skill in the application of basic guidance counseling techniques, skill in the operation of basic office equipment, skill in demonstrating sensitivity to the career and educational goals of students.

Physical Requirements. Sedentary Work: Exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. A position is classified as Sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.