Middle School Counselor

Summary:

In collaboration with all Student Services Center staff, provide a comprehensive guidance program for students in grades 7-8 and specifically provide activities to meet the needs of assigned caseload; consult with teachers, staff, and parents to enhance effectiveness in helping students; and provide support to other middle school educational programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide academic, career, and social-emotional counseling for a diverse population of 7th–8th grade students at individual, group, and classroom levels through the comprehensive Recognized American School Counseling Association Model Program (RAMP) curriculum.
• Develop and implement grade-level assessments to determine the specific areas of need for our unique population of students.
• Develop and lead small groups and classroom lessons addressing identified areas of need, including stress management, grief, family conflict, anger, depression, bullying, friendship skills, and career and college planning.
• Conduct annual meetings with all students on caseload to review their Educational Development Plan: discuss long- and short-term goals, course selection, extracurricular involvement, and community participation.
• Assist students with identifying their strengths, values, and interests, and matching those to future career and educational goals.
• Work with case managers to develop goals and transition plans for students with disabilities.
• Provide home support through individual meetings, including child studies and development of 504 plans.
• Coordinate with and provide referrals to local community mental health, medical, dental, food, clothing, language interpretation, and tutoring resources.
• Support teachers through consultation regarding emotional and behavioral support in the classroom.
• Plan and co-lead professional development with staff and parents regarding a variety of topics including suicide prevention, diversity, and available community resources.
• Regular, dependable attendance is a critical performance factor to ensure consistent, high quality services to children and families.
• Other duties as assigned by the Principal.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 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.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Possess a Master of Arts in Counseling
• Evidence of excellent communication skills
• Proven ability to function effectively on a team
• Experience working with students in a diverse, multicultural academic setting
• Lifelong learner with a collaborative spirit
• Bilingual (preferred but not required)

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Michigan School Counselor teaching certificate/license
• Bilingual preferred

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Students, student aides and parent helpers.

Application Procedure:
Interested candidates must submit, via the Districts on-line application system, cover letter, resume, transcripts, and copy of current education credential.

Compensation Package: A competitive salary combined with a comprehensive fringe benefit package will be offered to the successful applicant.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents; skill in oral and written communication. Ability to work with staff, parents and children.

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 stand and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds for example school supplies and books. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is frequently required to interact with the public and other staff. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being and work output of students.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

EOE