School Counselor (anticipated)

JOB SUMMARY:

The role of the Catholic school counselor is to provide and implement a systematic school wide counseling program for students. The counselor provides activities and interventions to meet the needs of students; consults with principal, teachers, staff and parents to enhance their effectiveness in helping students; provides support to other educational programs and initiatives; sets goals and implements an evaluation system to determine the impact of the counseling program on relevant student(s) and school outcomes; and conducts all practices through the lens of the Catholic faith.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

(The essential functions/major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

1. Fidelity to Church Teachings: Catholic teachings and virtues should be the foundation of all counseling activities. Counselors must embrace in word and in deed the Church’s teachings on faith and morals as articulated by the Church’s magisterium. Participation in faith formation activities as directed by the principal.
2. Implements school-wide curricula: Conducts learning activities in the classroom as planned in conjunction with the school administrator and teachers (e.g. annual VIRTUS lessons, School Wide Anti-Bullying Program). Coordinate education opportunities for students, staff, and families that are supportive of Catholic family life (e.g. internet safety, suicide awareness, anti-bullying).
3. Provides individual and group school counseling interventions: Provides professional assistance and support to individual or small groups of students during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change or other situations impeding student success. This time is structured and goal-oriented to meet the identified needs of individuals or groups of students. Session topics at the elementary level may include enhancing self-awareness, supporting new students, academic motivation and achievement, behavior, social skills, conflict resolution, and family issues. Inform administration regarding matters essential to student safety and well-being.
4. Provide Responsive Services: Address the immediate needs of particular students with concerns using short-term counseling strategies, consultation, or referral to a licensed clinical professional for the purposes of prevention or student intervention. Consult and/or check in with parents and/or teachers regarding student needs per request of administration or teachers themselves.
5. Participates in team meetings and student problem solving: At the request of the principal, the counselor should participate in conferences with parents, Student Improvement Team Meetings, collect and share student data, participate in intervention implementation and data collection.
6. Upon principal approval, act as a liaison between the school and other outside agencies: The counselor is the conduit between the school and community agencies such as counselors, therapeutic settings, foster care, juvenile justice, mental health providers, etc. Relevant information and paper work is gathered, organized and shared with appropriate parties to support the student in the school environment. For students in need, on-going communication is facilitated by the school counselor.
7. Collects and reports data: The counselor records his or her time distribution and activities and reports to the principal and the clinical supervisor on a routine basis. Records should include the number of school wide, classroom, small group and individual sessions, and parent, teacher, and administrator consultations and other non-counseling jobs as assigned.
8. Prioritizes on-going professional learning and growth: The counselor will participate in monthly group and individual meetings with supervisor. In addition, the school counseling consultant will meet his/her licensure requirements to maintain a current professional license.
9. Serve as a member of the Crisis Response Team in the event of an emergency or tragedy as requested by supervisor.

JOB SCOPE:

Provide school counseling intervention services to students K-8 in Catholic schools.

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS:

Extensive, current knowledge of school counseling processes and practices; including school counseling and professional licensure code of ethics

Comprehensive and current knowledge of community agencies and resources available to support students and families

Ability to analyze situations/data to determine appropriate action/solution

Strong written and oral communication skills

Exceptional interpersonal skills

Strong time management and organizational skills

Confidentiality

Technology skills (word processing, electronic communication)

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Current Kansas licensure through the appropriate accrediting agency (Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Master’s Social Worker, National Certified Counselor or Licensed School Counselor)

Experience working with school age children and families, preferably in a Catholic setting or for a Catholic organization

Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, talk, hear, sit, bend, grasp, and perform some repetitive motions of the hands/wrists. The job also requires the employee to view a computer monitor, sometimes for prolonged periods of time. Occasional lifting of 20 pounds or less.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Must be able to maneuver throughout various school settings, including multiple story buildings without elevators. Work is generally performed during normal business hours although occasional nights or weekends may be required.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described above are representative of the physical capabilities that must be met by an employee and the working conditions that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISES:

None