School Counselor

BASIC FUNCTION:  Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, provide educational, career and student assistance services in alignment with the school vision and mission that all students are college and career ready. Perform a variety of specialized activities involved in providing support for the implementation of tobacco-use prevention education (TUPE) programs.  REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:  ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provide individual and group guidance counseling to students; confer as needed with parents, teachers and others regarding student needs including school achievement and behavior.
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• Provide career and post-secondary counseling; assist students with the decision-making process regarding future personal and educational plans; review student transcripts for four-year planning.
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• Provide guidance and advisement to students regarding class selections and promotion requirements; identify and counsel students with special needs and behavioral, social and school adjustment problems.
• Provide counseling to families to assist students with school and social adjustment problems; conduct home visits as appropriate; provide crisis counseling services as needed.
• Refer students to social service and governmental agencies, support groups and other community resources as appropriate; consult with law enforcement agencies regarding students as necessary.
• Communicate with District personnel, school staff, parents, students and public agencies regarding student placement, referrals, services and related issues 
• Attend and participate in a variety of meetings, conferences and special events including SARB and IEP meetings; provide information concerning student progress; collaborate with other personnel in the development and implementation of IEP goals and objectives; attend Area Casework Team meetings to represent students.
• Review and evaluate transcripts received from other schools to determine allowable credits.
• Assist students in providing information regarding trade and technical school, apprenticeship programs and military organizations; inform students of various skill training programs available.
• Lead and participate in a variety of activities involved in the implementation of tobacco-use prevention education (TUPE) intervention and cessation activities.
• Engage and provide technical assistance, support and training to TUPE site coordinators, other school personnel, parents and community members regarding intervention and cessation activities; such as Brief Intervention for Substance Using Adolescents.
• Research science-based curriculum for drug prevention programs and assist with coordination and implementation of research-validated substance abuse prevention programs in Court and Community Schools.
• Compile and analyze a variety of data related to TUPE Youth Development activities; prepare and maintain a variety of narrative and statistical records, reports and files related to assigned activities.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to assigned program, students and related services and activities; develop and implement various systems for organization of mandated paperwork and processes.
• Assist administration in producing an effective student body management plan; participate in conferences related to student conflicts; attend student study team meetings.
• Maintain current knowledge of community resources and recent trends in counseling techniques.
• Serve as liaison to other agencies, students, school personnel, families and community organizations; maintain relations between school, the community and community services.
• Utilize diagnostic and assessment testing procedures as appropriate; gather, organize and interpret data regarding students to teachers and parents.
• Assist students in acquiring knowledge and skills which will assist them in their personal and social development.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software; operate standard office equipment as assigned; drive a vehicle to various sites to conduct work as assigned by the position.
• Change class schedules when necessary for appropriate placement. 

OTHER DUTIES:

• Perform related duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:  KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Effective personal and academic counseling techniques and procedures.
• Counseling theory, ethics and associated legal confidentiality requirements.
• California Health Education Content Standards.
• General youth development principles and best practices, principles of youth-adult partnerships.
• Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) programs and strategies.
• Applicable sections of the State Education Code and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Normal and abnormal child behavior and development.
• Behavior modification techniques and strategies.
• Student assistance programs.
• Community referral resources.
• Principles of training and providing work direction and guidance.
• Scheduling and facilitation of group meetings including school site personnel, parents, districts and county office staff.
• Diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of students.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
• Operation of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.
• Oral and written communication skills. 

ABILITY TO:

• Provide counseling and guidance services to students.
• Make referrals to other community resources, support groups and social service agencies as appropriate.
• Assess student needs and develop viable plans and alternatives.
• Plan, prepare and conduct individual and group counseling sessions.
• Lead and participate in a variety of activities involved in the implementation of tobacco-use prevention education (TUPE) youth development activities.
• Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations.
• Set limits and personal boundaries for students.
• Complete work with many interruptions.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
• Compile and verify data, maintain records and prepare various reports.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 

• Any combination equivalent to:  Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or related field and sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above. 

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

• Valid Pupil Personnel Services Credential with counseling endorsement. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  ENVIRONMENT:

• Office and classroom environment.
• Constant interruptions.
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student behavior.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. 

HAZARDS:

• Potential exposure to volatile and emotional individuals.