What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counselor (School of Discovery) 2026-2027 position at Alabama State Department of Education?
Position Title: Guidance Counselor
Department or Unit : School Assignment
Reports To: Principal or Guidance Chairperson
Supervises: Various non-professional personnel.
Job Summary: Assists students in academic/career development.
Typical Duties;
- Demonstrates respect for the worth, dignity, and quality of the student's human rights.
- Aids the student in self-evaluation, self-understanding, and self-direction, enabling him to make decisions consistent with his/her immediate and long-range goals.
- Uses individual and group counseling to assist in the student's adjustment to school and evaluation of his/her academic progress.
- Displays personal conduct which sets an example for students to emulate.
- Makes referral to appropriate resource agencies whenever the assistance needed is beyond the counselor's role.
- Assists the student in understanding personal strengths, weaknesses, interests, values, potentialities, and limitations.
- Assists students in preparing documents for scholarship aid and college admission applications.
- Works with teachers as members of the guidance team.
- Interprets the school's guidance program to teachers to familiarize them with guidance services.
- Maintains accurate records and provides information for programming and scheduling students.
- Shares appropriate individual student data with the teacher, with due regard for confidentiality, and assists the teacher in recognizing individual differences and student needs.
- Assists the teacher in making referrals to other appropriate school personnel.
- Serves as a resource person and assists in planning classroom guidance activities.
- Involves the teacher in conferences with students and parents to promote a better understanding of student development.
- Develops a written guidance plan for each school year.
- Recognizes school administrators as major members of the guidance team whose outlook, leadership, and support are essential for successful guidance services.
- Provides the parent/guardian with accurate information about the guidance program, courses requirements and resources that will contribute to the continuing development of the student.
- Assists the parent/guardian in forming realistic perceptions of the student's aptitudes, abilities, interests, and attitudes as related to academic achievement and career planning.
- Provides information to parents/guardians to familiarize them with guidance activities and services.
- Retains a cooperative working relationship with community social service agencies and with admission counselors of post-secondary institutions.
- Requests and forwards student cumulative folders.
- Coordinates school activities related to educational testing.
- Maintains current and up-to-date information on state and local promotion/ progression policies and regulations.
- Performs other duties as required.
Minimum Requirements:
1 . Master's Degree or equivalency.
- Moderate experience in student counseling.
- Relevant state certification or eligibility for same.
- Expertise in area of specialization.