The job of Guidance Counselor is done for the purpose/s of aligning and working with the District’s mission to support the academic achievement and social/emotional growth of all students as they prepare for the global economy.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)

Academic Development

• Develops and monitors student Education and Career Action Plans (ECAP) (4 year plans)
• Provides students with academic, organizational, study and test-taking skills support
• Supports students in acquiring knowledge, skills to monitor own academic progress and goals
• Assists students in course selection
• Participates in registration and scheduling processes for developing student class schedules (including 8th grade registration/orientation)
• Makes recommendations to colleges regarding admissions and scholarships
• Supports students’ decision making skills for life-long learning
• Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses
• Active participation in Intervention Planning Teams, 504 and IEP processes
• Coordinate with parents to assist in academic/career/social issues
• Participates in appropriate transition planning

Personal and Social Development

• Identifies and embeds extra-curricular activity goals and documenting participation in appropriate activities and organizations in students’ ECAP
• Supports the development of students’ interpersonal relationships, decision making, goal setting, and understanding of safety and survival skills
• Participation in crisis intervention to individuals/family/school
• Appropriately support students’ awareness of multicultural/diversity awareness
• Provides opportunities for peer facilitation
• Consultation/collaboration with appropriate support service agencies for student referrals
• Education in understanding self and others
• Supports the development of students’ peer relationships and effective social skills
• Support the development of communication, problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, coping strategies, and study skills
• Supports with District approved substance abuse education

College and Career Development

• Supports students’ development of post-secondary planning and application processes
• Assists students in the identification of potential career interests and career planning
• Facilitate career awareness and the connections between the word of work and educational achievements and growth
• Support students in developing strategies to achieve future goals

Support for District Goals and School Reform Initiatives

• Demonstrates a commitment to professional growth by participating in Professional Development opportunities

• Actively participates in consultation, collaboration and teaming
• Implements Counseling Services programs to support student achievement
• Participation in school-wide achievement data analysis for purposes of school planning
• Participates in data gathering and analysis to support and evaluate student success
• Assists with various testing programs and services (Advanced Placement, PSAT, AzMERIT, Terra Nova, etc.)
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and extra-curricular/school-related activities and committees

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (positions in this class typically require):

• Master’s degree
• Guidance Counselor Certificate K-12 from the Arizona Department of Education
• Previous experience as a classroom teacher OR any equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (positions in this class typically require):

• None

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry):

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state statutes and District rules, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of appropriate personal and vocational counseling strategies

SKILLS (position requirements at entry):

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, odors, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.

NOTE:

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.