What are the responsibilities and job description for the High School Guidance Counselor SY 26/27 position at South Burlington School District (VT)?
South Burlington School District
About South Burlington School District:
At South Burlington School District, we believe in supporting the whole employee—inside and outside the workplace. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes amazing, competitively priced health insurance, dental coverage, sick time, professional time and other leaves. Additionally, we offer a robust retirement plan which for educators is through VT State Teachers Retirement; and for other staff consists of a 403b plan with up to 6% provided by the district. Employees may also enjoy professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, wellness initiatives, Employee Assistance Programs and meaningful work that directly impacts student success and community growth.
Job Title: High School Counselor
Location: South Burlington High School
Job Group: Educators
Pay Level: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Guidance
Summary: Strengthens and facilitates the educational process by actively participating in the development and implementation of a comprehensive and developmental counseling program addressing the academic, personal/social development, and career/post-secondary needs of the 9-12 population. Provides individual support to maximize student potential and academic achievement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Designs, implements, and evaluates a standards-based developmental guidance program to help all students:
- Gain self-understanding, self-advocacy, personal competence, and behavioral change as it relates to school adjustment, academic performance, and the ability to make healthy and informed choices.
- Foster a constructive and respectful climate within the school, develop productive and satisfying relationships, and to effectively resolve conflicts.
- Explore current academic and future career and higher education opportunities and develop greater decision-making and planning skills.
- Identifies, in collaboration with administration, staff, students, and parents, concerns that may interfere with the learning and healthy development of students that may require intervention, counseling, and/or support.
- Develops relationships with students, staff, families, and community resources and serves as a liaison with teachers, parents, staff, and community resources to facilitate student success.
- Works with all students and families in ways that respect diverse backgrounds (e.g.: cultural, socio-economic, gender, sexual orientation, learning styles) and interests.
- Participates on a variety of teams and participates in a comprehensive program designed to meet the developmental needs of individual students.
- Observes and evaluates student performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Provides crisis intervention and short-term counseling to individuals and groups of students to assist in managing personal, social, developmental, and educational issues. Make referrals to other professionals as appropriate.
- Assists with the interpretation of psychological and educational assessments for students and parents as it relates to personal, educational, social, and career decisions.
- Provides individual, small- or large-group instruction on adolescent development issues, community resources, educational opportunities, or student related matters.
- Provides operational support through the following functions:
- Supports the registration, orientation, and transition of students entering and leaving the District.
- Coordinates with the administrative team in the development of emergency crisis interventions. Uses de-escalation techniques with students in danger of hurting themselves or others.
- Maintains appropriate, accurate, and complete student records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
- Provides training on related topics as requested.
- Remains current on career-related subject matter by:
- Attending professional meetings and conferences related to student learning and development issues and related subject matter.
- Reading professional literature and other sources to maintain a high level of expertise and recommend applications, enhancements, and solutions as appropriate.
- May perform other responsibilities as assigned.
General Responsibilities: Assists with student behavior management by supporting the established school-based discipline and encouraging staff and students to foster a positive learning environment. Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule. Demonstrated ongoing commitment to workplace diversity, sustainability, and delivering exceptional customer service.
Education and/or Experience: Master’s degree in School Counseling.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid Vermont Teaching License as a School Counselor with appropriate endorsement for assignment and/or level of assignment.
Other Skills and Abilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate a high degree of interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail, and adaptability. Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory specific to assigned program. Demonstrated skill in decision making, negotiations, organization, and planning are required. Ability to work with standardized testing results and to interpret results to students and parents. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all District requirements and Board policies.
Why Join SBSD?
Supportive colleagues and leadership
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Professional growth and advancement
Comprehensive benefits
Meaningful work that impacts students daily