High School Counselor (HCHS)

Houston County Board of Education

Job Description

Certified Positions

Job Title   School Counselor___________       Job Code 400, 401, 402_

Department/Location  Assigned School__        FLSA Status  Exempt__

Reports To   School Level Principal       __        Date   November 5, 2006

Summary and relationship to the curriculum:  This position provides support to students by assisting students in making decisions, managing academic and social-emotional challenges as well as planning for future success. In a collaborative role, this position imparts specific skills and learning opportunities in a productive and preventative manner to support the development of the whole child, which ensures that all students achieve in accordance with the district’s mission. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develops a written school-based counseling program.

1. Provides academic support, including organizational and test-taking skills.

1. Coordinates and implements delivery of counseling services in areas of self-knowledge, education and occupation exploration, and career planning as applicable.

1. Assists with academic planning, goal setting, decision-making, transition planning, career awareness, exploration and post-secondary planning.

1. Provides education on understanding self and others, peer relationships, coping strategies and effective social skills, substance abuse education, and multicultural/diversity awareness.

1. Counsels learners by actively listening, identifying and defining issues, discussing alternative solutions, and formulating a plan of action.

1. Assists with communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

1. Schedules time to coordinate and provide individual and small-group counseling, individual/family/school crisis intervention, conflict resolution, consultation/collaboration, and referrals.

1. Participates in professional development, collaboration, program management, and school operations.

1. Consults and coordinates with staff, parents, and community resources.

1. Follows federal and state laws, and board policies.

1. Follows state rules governing school counseling and guidance

1. Performs any other duties as requested.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

1. Education and/or Experience: Must hold a Master’s degree in School Counseling or be enrolled in a Master’s Degree program in School Counseling. Five years of professional teaching in a classroom setting preferred.
2. Certificate or License Required: Must hold or be eligible for valid Georgia Professional Certificate in School Counseling.     
3. Language Skills: Must have ability to apply teaching and learning principles to support the understanding of learning and behavior, ability to relay technical information to others in understandable terms, and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.  Must have ability to write professional correspondences and reports.  Must have ability to effectively present and articulate information in one-to-one and group situations to students, parents, school personnel and community agencies.
4. Mathematical Skills: Must have knowledge and understanding of general statistical procedures. Must have ability to collect and analyze assessment data, predict outcomes, formulate strategies for obtaining a desired result, and report/present findings in print and chart/graph.
5. Reasoning Ability: Must be able to facilitate the problem solving processes and use deductive reasoning. Must have ability to synthesize workable options from given facts, and assist in the development of workable solutions. Must effectively organize, plan and prioritize work.
6. Technical Ability: Must have considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office and other job specified technologies.
7. Customer Service Skills: Must be capable of interacting and communicating effectively with district employees, stakeholders, community members, and the general public using tactful and helpful customer service.

Professional Requirements: Must serve as a role model. Desirable personal characteristics are required. Appropriate dress and grooming consistent with established standards required.

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and lift.  Occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel.  The employee must be able to exert or lift up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Frequent travel involves exposure to traffic and outdoor elements.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Confidential Data Exposure:   The nature of this position entails exposure to confidential data.  Confidentiality must be held regarding financial and personal information. 

Additional Requirements:  Must be at work on time.  Must meet attendance standards.  Must conduct activities safely. Must be reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.

                                                                        Revision Dates:  03-13-07, 06-10-2025