Guidance Counselor/Pupil Services Coordinator

GRAHAM LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: SCHOOL COUNSELOR File 303

Reports to: Principal

Job Objective: Directs the planning, delivery, assessment, and ongoing improvement of a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling programs.  Facilitates parental involvement.

Minimum · Valid state department of education license/certificate appropriate for the position.

Qualifications: · Meets all mandated health screening requirements.

• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
• Adheres to the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules, board policies, and administrative guidelines/procedures.
• Ability to establish working relationships with co-workers and function as part of a cohesive team.
• Commitment to keep current with work skills essential to the objectives of the position.

Essential The following are typical work responsibilities.  A reasonable accommodation may be made to 

Functions: enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Collaborates with district staff, students, families, and the community to identify ongoing/emerging guidance and counseling needs of students.  Facilitates the effective planning, delivery, and ongoing improvement of guidance services (e.g., curriculum, responsive services, individual planning, system support components, etc.).
• Advances the district’s professional image.  Maintains open/effective communications.  Uses problem-solving techniques to tactfully address and resolve questions/concerns.
• Refers district policy interpretation inquiries to administrators.
• Promotes the provision of balanced program content (e.g., self-confidence development, motivation to achieve, decision-making, goal-setting, planning, problem solving, interpersonal effectiveness, communication skills, cross-cultural effectiveness, responsible behavior, etc.).
• Communicates expectations, provides guidance, and shows an active interest in student progress.  Helps parents/students understand program objectives and performance standards.
• Provides in-service training to enable teachers to assist in the delivery of the guidance curriculum.
• Designs guidance curriculum content that addresses; personal, social, educational, and career development skills.  Guides students in self-appraisal, decision making, development of personal competencies, and the application of skills needed to manage personal advancement.
• Maintains career-focused resource materials.  Promotes an understanding of the interrelationship of academic courses/advancement and career objectives.  Directs students in the investigation of individualized educational, occupational, and personal goals.
• Promotes cultural awareness, self-reliance, problem-solving, critical-thinking, and creativity skills.
• Supports community participation in school-sponsored activities that enhance student learning.
• Maintains a positive learning environment.  Facilitates student learning activities that encourage collaboration and positive peer relationships.
• Manages the school counseling program.  Allots time for individual/group counseling (e.g., personal development, response to change, prevention, remediation, crisis intervention, etc.).
• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., phone calls, E-mail, written notes, meetings, etc.).
• Helps staff and families address student concerns (e.g., academic difficulties, excessive absences, behavior mental/physical health, family/peer relations, etc.).
• Serves as a resource for drug/harassment/violence prevention and related school safety activities.
• Initiates referrals to community service providers (e.g., mental health, courts/juvenile justice, social services, etc.).
• Implements protocols to safeguard student information shared with staff and/or referral sources.
• Interprets standardized test results and other assessment information.  Facilitates the efforts of school personnel and families in assisting students with goal setting and planning activities.
• Assists with the multi-factored evaluation (MFE) process.  Helps intervention teams prepare IEP or 504 plans for students meeting eligibility requirements.
• Helps ensure that district policies/procedures support non-biased assessment/planning activities.
• Facilitates student transition processes (e.g., alternative programs, relocation to another community, promotion/graduation, etc.).
• Complies with federal/state policies/procedures for the education of students identified as having a disability.  Helps ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.

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• Participates in due process procedures as requested.
• Advocates for students.  Consults with families and staff to promote to promote an understanding of student development, behavior, interpersonal relationships, and services that may enhance student success.  Helps staff resolve problems that impede student participation in appropriate learning activities/environments.
• Promotes the proper use and care of district property.  Ensures that all materials are stored properly.  Works with staff/students to address equipment safety/security.
• Prepares/maintains accurate records.  Submits required paperwork on time.
• Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Upholds the student conduct code.  Implements effective pupil management procedures.  Provides appropriate student supervision.
• Takes precautions to ensure safety.  Watches for conduct/situations that may indicate a problem.  Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors.
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other required school activities.
• Pursues educational opportunities to enhance professional performance.
• Supports workplace initiatives that enhance personal productivity and advance district goals.
• Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.
• Helps students understand and embrace ethical conduct and democratic values.
• Maintains a professional appearance.  Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Provides prompt notification of delays or absences.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Additional Elementary-Level Duties:

• Oversees the implementation of student character education activities.

Additional High School-Level Duties:

• Consults with employers and other appropriate resources to identify entry-level, ongoing, and advanced career/technical qualifications for curriculum/program planning.
• Serves as a liaison to the vocational school.  Facilitates enrollment procedures.
• Coordinates admission visits. (e.g., college, university, technical, proprietary schools; military services, etc.).  Maintains scholarships/financial aid application procedure information.

Abilities The following personal characteristics and skills are important for the successful performance

Required: of assigned duties.

• Anticipates time constraints.  Manages tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work/learning environment.
• Uses active listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills effectively.
• Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness, and resilience.
• Interprets information accurately and initiates effective responses.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Respects diversity.  Manages individual and group interactions skillfully.
• Uses diplomacy and exercises self-control when dealing with other individuals.

Working Safety is essential to job performance.  Employees must exercise caution and comply with

Conditions: standard safety regulations and district procedures when involved in the following situations:

• Balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Interacting with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.
• Lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Traveling to meetings and work assignments.

Performance Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted 

Evaluation: by the Graham Local School District Board of Education.

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The Graham Local School District Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer.  This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.