Elementary Counselor

EDDYVILLE-BLAKESBURG-FREMONT COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

Job Description: The general responsibility of the guidance counselor is to help students overcome problems that impede learning and to assist them in making educational, occupational, and life plans that hold promise for their personal fulfillment as mature and responsible men and women. In addition, the guidance counselor will possess good people skills, the ability to work under pressure and to stay on task, be responsible, a self-starter, and have the ability to adjust to change. 

Qualifications:           

1. At least three years of successful teaching experience.
2. A valid certificate/license as a guidance counselor.
3. A master’s degree representing intensive course work in the principles and practice of educational guidance; educational testing and measurement; counseling; the organization and administration of guidance services, and the psychology of learning.

Responsible To:  Principal-Superintendent-Board to coincide with the chain of command.

Performance Responsibilities/Essential Functions[1]:

1. Guide and counsel students through the development of academic, career and personal/social goals.
2. Register students new to the school and orient them to school procedures and the school’s varied opportunities for learning.
3. Consult and collaborate with teachers, staff and parents in understanding and meeting the needs of students. Consult with and be a resource to teachers.
4. Take a leadership role in the infusion of counseling and guidance content into the curriculum and parent education programs.
5. Assist families with school related problems and issues.
6. Counsel small groups and individual students. Provide individual assistance to students regarding their academic and personal/social needs.  Conduct structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions to meet the identified short-term needs of individuals and groups of students.
7. Consult and collaborate with school system specialists such as school psychologist and nurses.
8. Consult with students and their parents in regards to community-based resources including psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, service agencies and others.
9. Provide student information to colleges and potential employers, according to provisions of the Board’s policy on student records.
10. Participate in, coordinate and/or conduct activities which contribute to the effective operation of the school.
11. Make recommendations to colleges for admissions and scholarships as necessary.
12. Arrange for tutors and summer school work.
13. Inform students and parents of test results and implications for education planning.
14. Interpret group test results to faculty and staff.
15. Establish effective liaison with all grade levels.
16. Act as an advocate for students, as appropriate, in conjunction with faculty or staff.
17. Participate in professional growth opportunities.
18. Maintain student records and protect confidentiality.
19. Advise administrators and faculty on the matters of student discipline.
20. Evaluate and revise the District’s guidance program
21. Review the guidance program periodically with staff and administration using the program evaluation of self-study.
22. Preview and modify the program calendar and evaluate guidance learning activities.
23. Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Standing, walking, speaking and exposure to students who may be
2. Occasional lifting of over 25
3. Some exposure to

Terms of Employment:  Days of service as specified in contract language.  Salary established by the Board.

[1] The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.  Nothing in this job description restricts management rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job unless restricted by a negotiated contract.