Description
Waipahu High School is seeking a passionate and dedicated Grade 9-12 Counselor to join our dynamic counseling team. As a counselor, you will play a vital role in supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of our diverse student population. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adolescents and contribute to the success of our school community.
Examples of Duties
Responsibilities:

1. Individual Counseling: Provide individual counseling to students on a wide range of issues including academic concerns, personal development, career exploration, and crisis intervention.
2. Group Counseling: Facilitate group counseling sessions addressing topics such as study skills, conflict resolution, peer relationships, and college readiness.
3. Academic Advising: Assist students in course selection, academic goal setting, and graduation requirements. Monitor student progress and intervene when necessary to support academic success.
4. College and Career Guidance: Guide students through the college application process, including researching colleges, completing applications, and applying for financial aid. Provide career exploration resources and assist students in developing post-secondary plans.
5. Parent and Teacher Collaboration: Collaborate with parents, teachers, and other school staff to support students' academic and personal development. Participate in parent-teacher conferences and educational planning meetings.
6. Crisis Intervention: Respond to crises and emergencies involving students, including providing immediate support, coordinating with appropriate personnel, and implementing follow-up services as needed.
7. School-wide Initiatives: Contribute to the development and implementation of school-wide programs and initiatives aimed at promoting student success, such as college fairs, career workshops, and mental health awareness campaigns.
8. Data Management: Maintain accurate and confidential student records, including academic transcripts, counseling notes, and assessment data. Use data to inform decision-making and measure the effectiveness of counseling services.

Minimum Qualifications
The Hawaii State Department of Education is committed to hiring highly qualified teachers in every classroom. With the exception of designated Career and Technology Education (CTE) positions, the minimum qualification to apply for a teacher, librarian or counselor position is a Bachelor's Degree.
If you are hired without completing a Teacher's Education Program, you have a maximum of 3 years to obtain a valid Hawaii teaching license. You must enroll in a Program to continue employment with the Department. Within each year of employment, you must satisfactorily demonstrate active pursuit towards meeting Hawaii licensing requirements, as set forth by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). It is your responsibility to ensure the program you have enrolled is aligned with the teaching line you are hired in.
Upon hire you will need to have a valid Hawaii teaching license or Emergency Hire Permit. You may apply for your Hawaii teaching license on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board Website (https://hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org/).
Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in School Counseling or related field
• Valid state certification/license in School Counseling
• Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of counseling theories and techniques
• Familiarity with college admissions processes and career development resources
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education

Supplemental Information
Please visit www.teachinhawaii.org to review the eligibility requirements for all bonuses, differentials, and initial salary placement. To obtain a Hawaii Teaching License, which is required to receive any salary differentials, please apply with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board at www.hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org.
Certificated 10-Month Teachers enjoy a range of competitive benefits:

• Compensation: 10-month teachers shall be compensated for the applicable Bargaining Unit 05 10-month salary schedule for working a 10-month work year. Salaries, Benefits, and Support - Teach in Hawaii
• 18 Days of Paid Sick Leave and State/Federal Holidays: 10-month teachers receive 18 days of paid sick leave (of which 6 can be utilized for personal and/or professional development purposes) during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan. For more information, please visit the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund | Home to see premiums and contributions for Bargaining Unit 05 members.
• Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
• Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex (nbsbenefits.com) This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
• Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees with at least 10 years of credited service and who have reached 62 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and are 55 years old may retire and receive benefits. For more information, please visit ERS (ehawaii.gov)
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): If eligible, Department employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program. The TSA plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to an employee-selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a tax deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program. This program is an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several investment options are available.
• Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
• Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.
• Workers' Compensation: If an employee is injured while on the job, benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support may be available through workers' compensation.
• Union & Collective Bargaining: Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. 12-Month Teachers are represented by the Hawaii State Teachers Association. More information can be found at by visiting the HSTA.

The above is intended as a general summary of the benefits offered and is subject to change. This does not constitute a contract or binding agreement. Benefits vary by type of employment appointment and collective bargaining agreements.