High School Guidance Counselor

Purpose Statement 

The job of Guidance Counselor (High School) is done for the purpose/s of providing a comprehensive guidance program managing the schedules and placement of assigned students; providing course curriculum, information, and recommendations to students and parents; assisting in the development of goals and plans for achievement; providing students with career and/or post high school educational opportunity information; administering and interpreting career assessment tools; planning, coordinating, and participating in a variety of college and career-related activities; and managing ongoing department programs.

This job reports to Principal/Head of School (High School)

Essential Functions

• Assesses and monitors students (e.g. academic achievement, behavioral issues, long-term absences, etc.) for the purpose of identifying student need to attend Alternative Education Program.

• Assists in crisis intervention, risk assessment, and reporting for the purpose of supporting students and families to enable stability in students' lives to enhance their academic success.

• Assists students with college entrance requirements (e.g. scholarship and college applications, resumes, FAFSA, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring completion of application processes within designated time frames.

• Attends meetings and workshops (e.g. IEPs/504s, trainings, meetings with parents/guardians, outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information to ensure students' opportunities for academic success.

• Coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, outside agencies, specialists, parents, and/or community (e.g. campus tours, parent meetings for college-bound students, internship programs, etc.) for the purpose of providing/receiving requested information, and/or making recommendations for post-high school education/career paths.

• Counsels students, parents, and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in and graduation from high school.

• Prepares a wide variety of materials (e.g. reports, correspondence, master schedule at some sites, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.

• Presents information (e.g. career exploration, academic skills, college/university exploration, etc.) for the purpose of enabling students to develop tools needed for academic success and to plan for post-high school education/career paths.

• Provides a variety of support services for students (e.g. individual and group counseling, decision-making, academic success, etc.) for the purpose of addressing and mediating issues affecting students' performance/achievement in the school environment.

• Provides brief crisis interventions identifying the cause of the issue for the purpose of resolving the problem and/or determining if referral to a network social worker and/or outside agency is required.

• Researches program eligibility requirements (e.g. financial aid, college eligibility, etc.) for the purpose of providing up-to-date accurate counsel to students.

• Schedules and monitors student classes and academic progress for the purpose of securing appropriate placement and meeting/ensuring their graduation and/or college eligibility requirements.

• Serves as liaison with local community colleges for Dual Enrollment courses providing support in class registration, etc. for the purpose of enabling enrolled students to earn college credits while still in high school.

Other Functions 

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the school site.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications  

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; preparing and maintaining accurate records; conducting meetings; planning and managing projects; and using pertinent software applications.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applicable laws, codes, rules, procedures, and regulations related to assigned activities; instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.

ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; working with frequent interruptions; establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others; and maintaining consistent, punctual, and regular attendance.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 70% sitting, 20% walking, 10% standing. The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment.

Experience: Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required in crisis management.

Education: Masters degree in job-related area.

Required Testing 

None Specified 

Certificates and Licenses

Valid Counseling Certificate - Secondary Certification

Continuing Educ. / Training Clearances

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses 

Clearances

Criminal Background Clearance

FLSA Status

Exempt