NORWALK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Title Secondary Counselor

Reports to Building Principal

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the building principal, to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district and state approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations and goals.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Design and implement individualized intervention plans with specific strategies (including advising, counseling, and mentoring programs and services) to address the needs of targeted students and to their families/caregivers.

• Work collaboratively with at-risk teams to develop plans and programs.

• Maintain accurate data, records, and case management files to document all activities conducted and services provided.

• Provide early identification of students at risk of failing or leaving school prematurely and apply appropriate interventions, such as small groups, individual counseling, and social skills training.

• Work directly with families, teachers, school nurses, school psychologists and others to assess student needs.

• Assess student needs and advise faculty and staff in planning an individualized intervention plan and curriculum that will meet the needs of the student and keep accurate records to report progress.

• Contact and communicate directly with parents/guardians on a regular basis to ensure parent awareness of and involvement in their child’s school performance and to secure parent support of student participation, school, and other activities.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong technology skills.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking skills and listening skills.

• Strong interpersonal and human relations skills.

• Ability to develop positive working relationships with, build rapport with, and motivate both coworkers and students.

• Cultural competency; appreciation, embracing, and valuing of diversity.

• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and independent decision-making skills.

• Ability to function as a team player and to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a shared decision making environment.

• Capability to function as an independent, self-motivated, and self-reliant self-starter who initiates appropriate actions and strategies and can work successfully without constant direction and close supervision.

• Ability to function effectively in hectic and fast-paced work environments through prioritization of multiple, and sometimes conflicting, demands in order to meet established deadlines.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with District Office administrators, principals, teachers, students and the community.

Qualifications Profile

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• Iowa Teaching License with 5-12 or K-12 Endorsements in Counseling required.

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the following: Senior Year Plus, PSEO, and Infinite Campus scheduling.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements vary by individual job assignment but requires a minimum of the following physical requirements: Walking, standing, bending, carrying, climbing, lifting minimum of 20 pounds, driving, pushing, pulling, reaching, sitting, and stooping.

Working Conditions

Varied.

Terms of Employment

190 day contract in accordance with the Master Contract.

Evaluation

In accordance with state code, Iowa Teaching Standards and local performance criteria.

FLSA Status

Exempt.