Middle School Counselor

Position: Middle School Counselor

Location: Clinton Middle School, Clinton, Oklahoma

District: Clinton Public Schools

Reports To: Gene Ray, Principal

Position Type: Full-Time, Certified (Based on School Year Calendar)

About Clinton Middle School & Clinton Public Schools: Clinton Public Schools is dedicated to providing a supportive and challenging educational environment for all students. Clinton Middle School serves students during a critical developmental period, focusing on academic achievement, personal growth, and social-emotional well-being to prepare them for success in high school and beyond. We are seeking a dedicated and student-centered counselor to join our team.

Position Summary: The Middle School Counselor provides comprehensive guidance and counseling services to students in grades [Insert Grades Served by Clinton Middle School, e.g., 6-8]. This role focuses on supporting the academic, social-emotional, and early career development needs of middle school students. The counselor works collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community resources to foster a positive school climate and ensure student success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Individual and Group Counseling: Provide short-term individual and group counseling to students addressing academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and personal concerns (e.g., peer relationships, stress management, conflict resolution, grief).
• Academic Guidance: Assist students with course selection, scheduling, academic planning, and study skills development. Monitor student academic progress and collaborate with teachers and parents on intervention strategies.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Develop, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate school counseling curriculum and activities focusing on SEL competencies for individuals, small groups, and classroom guidance lessons.
• Career Exploration: Introduce students to career awareness and exploration activities appropriate for the middle school level.
• Crisis Intervention and Response: Provide immediate support and counseling to students and families facing crisis situations; collaborate with school and district crisis teams as needed.
• Consultation and Collaboration: Serve as a resource and consultant for teachers, parents/guardians, and administrators regarding student needs and development. Facilitate parent meetings and workshops.
• Referral Services: Identify student needs and coordinate referrals to appropriate school-based resources (e.g., special education) or community agencies when necessary.
• Student Advocacy: Advocate for students' educational, personal, and social needs, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources.
• Transitions: Assist students with transitions, particularly from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school.
• Data Analysis: Collect, analyze, and use student data to inform the counseling program and advocate for student needs.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, confidential student records in compliance with state, federal, and district policies.
• Professional Development: Stay current with best practices, ethical standards, and legal requirements in school counseling through ongoing professional development.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the school principal related to the comprehensive school counseling program.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master's Degree in School Counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Certification: Valid Oklahoma School Counselor Certification (or documented eligibility for certification).
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of child and adolescent development, counseling theories, and techniques applicable to middle school students.
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to build rapport and trust with students, parents, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Proficiency in using student information systems and standard office software.
  • Knowledge of ethical standards and legal requirements governing school counseling.
  • Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.