Counselor

PRAIRIE GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT                                           

Job Descriptions

JOB TITLE:   Counselor Secondary                                                                              

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

REPORTS TO:  Principal                                                                                                 

PAY GRADE: Salary Schedule

LOCATION: ASSIGNED CAMPUS                                                                                 

DATE REVISED: 9/1/2023

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Provide guidance and counseling services conducive to all students achieving their individual potential academically, socially, and emotionally.  Address problems that prevent or interfere with student learning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Master’s Degree

• Valid Arkansas Educator License with guidance and counseling  

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of student support for social and emotional health.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to instruct students regarding their behavior

Experience:

• Three years of high school teaching experience for a high school position, preferred
• Three years of middle school teaching experience for a middle school position, preferred.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Instructional Management

1. Implement the school guidance and counseling program to support the district's mission, goals, and plans.
2. Adapt the district guidance curriculum plan to support campus needs and tailor it to the campus plan, as appropriate.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in counseling skills.
4. Consult with teachers to adjust to meet the individual and learning needs of students.

School/Organizational Climate

1. Present a positive role model for students.
2. Maintain professional relationships conducive to cooperation and teamwork.
3. Work effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
4. Comply with district and school policies and adhere to State Board rules.
5. Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents.
6. Attend referrals by teachers, administrators, and parents.
7. Advocate for students.

        School/Organizational Improvement

1. Evaluate the program systematically by assessing the overall effectiveness of the program in helping students attain desired outcomes.
2. Use the results of the evaluation to reassess program goals, objectives, and strategies.
3. Assist in using and interpreting test data for the improvement of instruction.
4. Consult with students, teachers, and parents to meet the special needs of students.
5. Address and support campus goals, objectives, and improvement plans.
6. Share guidance materials from professional meetings and publications.
7. Master scheduling.

Student Management

1. Help students establish goals, determine their abilities and achievement potential, focus on their strengths, and improve their weaknesses.
2. Interact positively and effectively with all students.
3. Provide intervention and support services through individual and small group sessions based on the student’s presenting needs/concerns.
4. Administer (as assigned), evaluate, and interpret standardized test results for students.
5. Guide individual students and groups through the development of educational and career plans.
6. Counsel individual students with presenting needs/concerns.
7. Initiate counseling contact upon request of student, teacher, or parent.
8. Provide group counseling as appropriate.
9. Make referrals and work with the referral source to meet students’ needs for follow-up activities/services.
10. Eschool, student scheduling, cap conferences, arena registration, scholarships, 
11. Coordinator for virtual students.
12. Student success plans
13. College Admission process
14. Liaison between district and college reps and potential employers 

School/Community Relations

1. Encourage parental involvement.
2. Coordinate with school and community personnel to bring together resources for students.
3. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with representatives of school and community resources.
4. Articulate the need for and benefits of the guidance and counseling program.
5. Provide information to parents and the community about the educational program in general and the guidance program in particular.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Develop and maintain a plan for professional improvement.
2. Use surveys and feedback from others to evaluate the counseling program.
3. Adhere to ethical, legal, and professional standards.
4. Affiliate with professional counseling associations.
5. Be knowledgeable of current research and practices and integrate them into counseling activities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. None

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent prolonged and irregular hours

Physical Demands

• Light lifting, light carrying, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, repetitive hand motions; frequent bending and stooping

Environmental Demands

• Normal office environment
• Occasional statewide and districtwide travel

The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to the job and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. 

The Prairie Grove School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, or sex in the educational programs or activities that it operates and is an equal opportunity employer.