School Counselor/Elementary/Middle

JOB DESCRIPTION

Giles County School System

School Counselor/Elementary

Purpose Statement: The job of School Counselor – Elementary was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process with specific responsibility for managing the placement of assigned students; providing information and recommendations to parents and students; and assisting in the development of goals and plans for achievement. 

This job reports to the Principal of the assigned school.

Essential Functions 

• Coordinates with teachers, administrators, resource specialists and/or community (e.g. service clubs, courts, child protective services, etc.) for the purpose of providing/receiving requested information and/or making recommendations.  
• Counsels students, parents, and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success, academically, socially, and emotionally, in school. 
• Develops a variety of special programs and classes (e.g. group and teamwork, leadership, bullying, coping with divorce or death, social skills) for the purpose of providing information to assist students in the successful transition from elementary to middle school or help with life and academic skills. 
• Monitors students' progress for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success. 
• Prepares a wide variety of materials (e.g. lesson plans, quantity reports, student activities, correspondence, audits, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information. 
• Presents information for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls. 
• Schedules student classes on a variety of topics for the purpose of helping students academically, socially and emotionally reach success in school. 
• Supervises assigned programs (e.g. scholarships, peer counseling, special education, ESL, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall curriculum objectives.

Other Functions: 

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications: 

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities 

• SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; preparing and maintaining accurate records; planning and managing projects; and using pertinent software applications. 
• KNOWLEDGE is required to review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. 
• ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing a variety of complex processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Working Environment: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and some fine finger dexterity. 

Generally, the job requires 75% sitting, 15% walking, and 10% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in varying atmospheric conditions.

EXPERIENCE: Job related experience within specialized field is required. 

EDUCATION: Master’s degree in job related area. 

EQUIVALENCY: None specified

REQUIRED TESTING: None Specified

CERTIFICATES & LICENSES: Teachers Certification and/or License

FLSA STATUS: Exempt 

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING: Maintain Licensure

CLEARANCES: Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

SALARY GRADE: Certified