25-26 Middle School Counselor

The Laurel School District is seeking qualified applicants for the position(s) of Middle School Counselor, for the 2025-2026 school year.

Salary Range:  $42,300.00-67,825.00 (Salary is dependent on years of experience and educational level) This position is part of the Certified Bargaining Agreement and placement on the salary matrix will be limited to ten years of service/experience.

Provides students with school guidance and counseling program that supports student academic, social, physical, and personal life-career-college development.  This position serves as the primary academic advisor, behavior/social-emotional service provider to students.  Will assist students to understand and develop their full potential and meet the demands of school expectations through a variety of counseling services, including acting as a liaison between students, parents/guardians, staff, and community agencies.  Assist in the establishment and maintenance of good community-school public relations.  Provides preventative counseling sessions and behavior interventions to individuals and groups and offers similar support to those in crisis.           

QUALIFICATIONS:          

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in school guidance and counseling.
• Meets the State of Montana’s certification requirements for school guidance and counseling and retains a current and valid certification as a professional school counselor.
• Ability to analyze data to inform work and decision making, assess student needs and develop and implement procedures and policies to support student achievement.
• Experience in counseling students for academic, social, emotional, and other personal challenges.
• Be able to get along with adults and children.
• Be able to make sound decisions on a consistent basis.
• Ability to write reports and effectively communicate in written and oral form.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond appropriately to inquiries from students, parents/guardians, staff, and community.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively manage time and responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of employment and student matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Works with staff to develop a school climate program to include student recognition, encouragement, and positive behaviors.
• Provides support to teachers regarding classroom management and student behavior, communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Participates in activities that contribute to the effective delivery of educational services; cooperate and collaborate with other professionals in enhancing the education of students; establish and maintain effective relationships with staff and administrators; communicate with administrators, teachers and staff, students, parents, and the community regarding the counseling and guidance program and its role in the educational program.
• Articulates with elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as post-secondary personnel to assist students in making a smooth transition between each, as needed.
• Building -level coordinator for local, state, and national assessments.
• Monitors the academic progress of students and makes appropriate interventions to improve student achievement and attendance. Provides support for academic success of students.
• Analyzes and interprets a variety of data in order to assist in the development of an appropriate educational program and placement for students.
• Reviews and maintains pertinent pupil data (cumulative records, progress reports, report cards, achievement test, etc.) according to state law.
• Confers with parents/guardians and assists them with problems and decisions which relate directly to the education welfare of their child.
• Interprets the school programs to parents/guardians to help them better understand their student’s abilities and needs relating to career choice/opportunities, and requirements for advanced education.
• Maintains high campus visibility through staff and student contacts.
• Develops and monitors Individual Behavior plans in consultation with administration.
• Conducts structured, goal-oriented, individual, small and large group counseling sessions to assist students in exploring, interpreting and developing personal decision-making competencies, to enhance self-esteem and self-understanding; develop academic, and personal/social life plans.
• Provides direct instruction to students regarding successful completion of high school graduation requirements and other appropriate information to support each student’s academic achievement.
• Facilitates student/teacher/counselor/parent/guardian conferences regarding student’s educational progress and future educational and vocational goals.
• Refers students and their parents to appropriate specialists, special programs, or outside agencies; consult and collaborate with school system specialists such as school psychologists, and nurses; consult with and refer to community-based resources including psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, service agencies, and others.
• Participates as a member of the school sites Crisis Response Team and District Mental Health Team.
• Plan, evaluate, and revise the counseling and guidance program; review the counseling and guidance program annually with other district counselors and administrators; establish a planning calendar for counseling and guidance program activities.
• Acts as the school’s Section 504 Coordinator.
• Participate in all IEP, 504 meetings, parent/teacher conferences, professional development activities.
• Provides information regarding graduation requirements, academic distinction, college entrance requirements, financial aid, occupational skills requirements, and helps students develop an appropriate program of studies.
• Leads orientation programs for incoming 9th grade students, transfer students, and monitors graduation for all students.
• Maintaining a list of current referral resources, consistent with school and district policies, for students, staff, and families to effectively address academic, career, and social and emotional issues and development.
• Works in coordination with Principal and staff to schedule students into grade level classes for the school year.
• May present in classroom, workshop, or other training environment to demonstrate decision making, problem solving, conflict resolution, social, and coping skills.
• Delivering culturally appropriate direct and indirect services.
• Conducts themselves in a professional, ethical, and respectful manner at all times.
• Maintains exemplary confidentiality in all aspects.

Only minimum duties are listed.  Other functions may be required as assigned.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:           Open Until Filled   

To apply for this position, please go to www.laurel.k12.mt.us, click on the Employment button under Quick Links. For questions, please call (406) 628-3360.

Applicants must have a complete application before they will be considered for the position.  Applications must be completed before the job closing deadline.  A complete application consists of the completed application including all questions answered, job history, at least two references (one reference must be from a supervisor).  References from friends or family are not sufficient.  Resume, cover letter, and a copy of unofficial transcript(s), are acceptable and required for teaching and professional positions.  Verification of military service is required if applying for veterans preference. All applicants offered a position are subject to a background check and approval from the Board of Trustees.

If you are an internal candidate (current employee) you would only be required to complete the internal application and any required documentation that you do not have on file.

Date Notice Posted:  Internal 4/30/2025         External 5/3/2025

The purpose of this Notice of Job Listing is to advertise a job vacancy.

It does not in any way represent an employment contract.

LAUREL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 7 & 7-70 IS AN E.E.O. EMPLOYER    

Salary : $42,300 - $67,825