Pending approval of the SY25 SSIG carryover and SY25 CFA by TDOE and HCS Board

The Lead School Counselor holds a certified position that leads and ensures the planning, implementation, and evaluation process of a Multi-Tiered, Multi-Domain System of Support via a comprehensive counseling program. This program includes academics, college and career readiness and social emotional learning. The lead counselor must manage, analyze, and utilize data from district databases to support counseling work and meet student needs in all three domains. The job requires a person that will facilitate professional learning, model effective best practices to support counseling strategies, lead discussions in evidence-based research with building and district leaders, and support the implementation of the framework for SEL, including the five competencies supported by best practices in grades 6-12. The goal is to lead achievement through SEL, academic success. and college and career readiness, providing three tiers of services to improve engagement and meet the needs of all students. The position requires the demonstration of strong organizational skills, excellent service, and communication skills.

• Supports the implementation of comprehensive counseling services, activities, programs, and interventions critical to the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all students within the Multi-Tiered Multi-Domain System of Support (MTSS) framework.
• Supports strategic plans to help execute district and school improvement goals, specifically targeting gaps in achievement, for student academic growth, and college and career readiness.
• Assists counselors with the development of their written annual plan, which is data driven and includes measurable goals which are appropriately scoped and sequenced based on the needs of the school and students.
• Supports closing the gap plans to help execute district and school improvement goals for student growth and achievement, and college and career readiness.
• Collaborates with a team of school-based professionals who are conducting the work of student success plans
• Supports the implementation and supervises the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework. 
• Works with principals and other school leaders to support counselors in the delivery of the ASCA model.
• Develops and maintains community agency relationships through events and communications.
• Assists with the development of a written, annual plan, which is data driven and includes measurable goals, which are appropriately scoped and sequenced, based on the needs of the school and students.
• Analyzes data district School Climate Surveys.
• Supports district strategic plan including initiatives and programs to address student needs (SEL, Restorative Practice, School Wide Positive Behavior, Olweus etc.)
• Oversees the administration of planning and implementing need assessments regularly to identify and prioritize school and student needs.
• Supports the implementation of the framework for SEL including the five competencies supported by best practices.
• Advocates for counselors and students to ensure immediate needs, concerns, or problems are not distracting or impeding academic, career, or social/emotional development.
• Collaborates to support the creation of a customer-focused climate and helps provide quality services and support to schools and other stakeholders.
• Supports the implementation of school aptitude tests.
• Collaborates with elementary and high school teams to ensure a smooth transition from tier to tier.
• Assists with orientation activities for incoming students and parents.Observes and provides coaching for structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions to meet the identified needs of individuals and groups of students to student success and to close the achievement gap.
• Develops and enhances community partnerships with varied community agencies to meet the identified needs of students, families, and the school.
• Uses discretion and adheres to all state laws and district policies when sharing any such information. Protects confidentiality of records and information about students and staff. 
• Understands and follows oral and written directives accurately, timely, and with a positive attitude.
• Ensures accuracy of input and output data.
• Performs related duties as assigned for emergency and/or crisis procedures and leads district crisis initiatives.
• Pursues professional growth by attending state and district workshops/conferences, keeps abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Executive Director of Social Emotional & Academic Development
• Supports the work of Future Ready Institutes and collaborates to execute career fairs including FRI students.
• Directs staff in instructional strategies aligned with current best practices and state standards.
• Attends training as needed to learn new procedures or increase ability in use of data, technology, and other district initiatives. 
• Collaborates with School Counselors to promote comprehensive student support.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
• Participates in and conducts professional development.
• Conducts trend analysis of targeted needs and student achievement for the district and makes recommendations to improve student achievement and increase graduation rate.
• Leadership experience.
• Helps to implement the tiered response system of MTSS
• Partners with administrators, counselors, teachers, students, parents, and the community to remove barriers.
• Compiles, examines, or evaluates data or information and possibly recommends action based on results.
• Mentors others by advising, counseling, or guiding them regarding problems that may be resolved by scientific or other professional principles.
• Negotiates or exchanges ideas, information, and opinions with others to formulate policies and programs, or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions, or solutions.
• Performs work involving the application of logical principles and thinking to solve practical problems. Close attention for accurate results and frequent exposure to unusual pressure.
• Serves as liaison and fosters intentional relationships with counselors and departments.
• Provides information to parents through printed materials, workshops, meetings, and other appropriate forms of communication.
• Stays abreast of changing institutional information including admissions requirements, new programs, Serves on FRI Advisory Boards as needed and collaborates with FRI Professional Development.

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

• Current valid Tennessee teaching license required, Master’s degree required. 
• At least five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience is required. 
• Successful counseling experience

Skills/Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members.
• Excellent planning, organizational, problem solving, decision-making, and time management skills.
• Knowledge of state and district graduation requirements.
• Knowledge of elementary comprehensive counseling program, counseling procedures, student appraisal, and college & career development
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse staff, a diverse student body and families, as well as a team of professionals within schools and the community. Experience working with a focus on social, emotional, and behavioral supports strongly preferred.

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Salary Scale