What are the responsibilities and job description for the Secondary School Counselor position at Fort Smith Public Schools?
*Out of state applicants please provide ADE's verification of provisional licensure eligibility*
Position Description
POSITION TITLE: Secondary School Counselor
FLSA: Exempt
QUALIFICATIONS: Must meet AR licensure requirements
REPORTS TO: Principal
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: A full contract for this position is 210 days, with benefits as specified in employee contract. Contract will be prorated based on actual start date.
BEGINNING: July, 2026
LOCATION: District Wide
DISTRICT VALUES
- We will always put student needs first.
- We believe relationships matter.
- We expect accountability.
- We operate with transparency.
- We prioritize student and staff safety.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Develop and deliver the school counseling curriculum in a classroom setting
- Assist students in the areas of academic planning and in personal/social development
- Provide individual and small group counseling in a variety of settings
- Consult and collaborate with teachers, staff and parents in understanding and meeting the needs of students in the school setting
- Participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.
- Plan, evaluate and revise the school counseling program
- Pursue continuous professional growth to stay abreast of the field
- Promote an understanding and appreciation of diverse populations and cultures
- Monitor and advise students and their parents as to progress
- Prepare students for the transition to the next level of school
- Collaborate with the principal regularly with the primary focus being the implementation of the comprehensive school counseling plan for their building.
- Assist students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and work with the students and parents in developing the students’ educational and occupational plans in terms of such evaluations
- Work with students on an individual basis in the solution of personal problems, as related to home and family, health, and emotional adjustment
- Work collaboratively with administration, staff, and parents so as to better meet the needs of each student
- Actively involved in and serves as a resource person for the teacher/student advisor program of the school
- Help with the scheduling and master schedule process.
- Participate as part of building committees, such as RTI, behavior, and any others as requested by the building principal.
- For secondary grades, counselors will schedule students correctly in courses needed, based on transcript and credits needed for graduation.
- Correctly advise students on courses, pathways, scholarships, and opportunities after high school.
- Help with graduation, award assemblies, and testing as requested.
- Help coordinate building events as requested by the principal.
- Follow all TESS rubric “proficient” level expectations for their role
- Recognize the extent of his/her training and refer to other specialists for those students whose problems go beyond his/her skills.
- Maintains prompt and regular attendance and demonstrates the ability to maintain positive professional working relationships with others
- Maintain emotional control under stress
- Attends meetings and performs duties as assigned by administrators or supervisors, including after school faculty meetings
- Attends building events/activities at night, as requested by administration
- Carries out duty as assigned, including after school or before school duties
- Abide by state statutes, school board policies, and regulations
- Perform other duties as assigned
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
- Must have the ability to lift at least 40 pounds occasionally
- May be required to physically move students or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.
- Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending, and squatting
If seeing this posting on a job site, please apply here
https://fortsmithschools.schoolspring.com/ if interested.