Job Type

Full-time
Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The school counselor will lead the Venice YMCA/SKY Academy's school counseling department which is committed to the ongoing development and well being of its students, teachers and staff. The school counselor will also provide an educational atmosphere in which students will move toward the fulfillment of their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and psychological growth and maturation in accordance with the YMCA and SKY Academy's philosophy, goals and objectives.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
•Provide assistance to students through testing and interpretation.
•Provide assistance to students in class selection and schedules.
•Provide personal counseling to students.
•Provide group counseling when need arises.
•Assist students who are experiencing attendance problems.
•Assist in accurate recording and proper maintenance of student records.
•Participate in workshops for personal and professional growth.
•Assist in evaluating the guidance program.
•Provide orientation of new students to the school.
•Impart crises intervention skills when need arises.
•Assist students with special needs according to IEP and 504 guidelines.
•Assist with the development and implementation of student IEP and 504 plans.
•Ensure that state and local IEP and 504 paperwork is compliant.
•Assist teachers with intervention and recommendations.
•Assist in selecting a variety of materials for counseling program.
•Exercise confidentiality in sharing test results and other student information.
•Recognize and appreciate the cultural differences and special needs of students and families.
•Recognize indicators of student distress or abuse and take appropriate steps.
•Serve as an advocate for students.
•Maintain professional and ethical standards as outlined by Code of Ethics and American School Counselor Association.
•Keep updated on student / school legal issues and procedures.
•Demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
•Provide for a safe and secure workplace.
•Follow attendance, punctuality and proper dress rules.
•Maintain positive relationships with staff and vendors.
•Participate in workshops and training sessions as required.
•Communicate effectively with staff and vendors.
•Keep supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.
•Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
•Prepare all required reports and maintain all appropriate records.
•Follow all SKY Academy policies, rules and regulations.
•Exhibit interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member.
•Demonstrate support for the SKY Academy and its goals and priorities.
•Perform other incidental tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.
QUALIFICATIONS:
•Current Florida or transferable educator certificate
•Master's Degree or higher from an accredited educational institution.
•Certification in Guidance and Counseling, Leadership, or other education certificate dealing with student mental health
•Successful experience as a teacher or counselor preferred.
•Proficient in educational testing and measurement practices.
•Possess oral and written communication skills.
•Ability to analyze data and form conclusions.
•Knowledge of career counseling and community resources.
•Knowledge of counseling techniques and referral process.
•Possess computer skills for data entry and retrieval.
•Must be an excellent listener and problem solver
•Must be compassionate and patient
CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
•CPR and First Aid Certifications required
•Annual Completion of YMCA Blood Borne Pathogens Training
•Annual Completion of YMCA Child Sexual Abuse Prevention class
•Successfully complete State of Florida Criminal History Background Check requirements as well as meet the Association and Sarasota County School Board's policies on background screening
•Additional training classes as recommended by Supervisor
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Requires full range of motion, including manual and finger dexterity and hand and eye coordination. Requires corrected vision, speech, and hearing to normal range, or special accommodations made of sufficient nature for completion of assigned tasks. Ability to lift 30 pounds. Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations (depending upon the programs).
The YMCA of Southwest Florida has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the YMCA of Southwest Florida reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the YMCA of Southwest Florida may deem appropriate
Salary Description

55,000 per year