Job Title:                                Secondary School Counselor

Reports to:                              Campus Principal

Department/School:               Middle School

Wage/Hour Status:                 Exempt

Pay Grade:                               Teacher Pay Scale Counselor Stipend

Primary Purpose:  Plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive program of guidance to assigned campus.  In addition, oversee assigned student’s counseling services in order to provide an effective guidance program to ensure that students maximize personal growth and development.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree in guidance counseling

Valid Texas counseling certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of counseling proceudres, student appraisal, and career development

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Experience:

Two years teaching experience

Two years counseling experience preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

ROLE 1:  PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

1. PLANS, IMPLEMENTS, AND EVALUATES A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM OF GUIDANCE, INCLUDING COUNSELING SERVICES.

1. Uses a planning process to define needs, priorities and program objectives.
2. Implements a comprehensive and balanced program.
3. Evaluates the effectiveness of individual activities and the overall program in meeting desired student outcomes.
4. Educates the school staff, parents and the community about the guidance program through a public information program.

ROLE 2:  GUIDANCE

1. TEACHES THE SCHOOL DEVELOPMENTAL GUIDANCE CURRICULUM.

1. Outlines, in writing, a campus guidance curriculum consistent with the district's guidance program plan and tailored to campus needs.
2. Teaches guidance units effectively.

1. ASSISTS TEACHERS IN THE TEACHING OF GUIDANCE RELATED CURRICULUM.

1. Consults with administrators and teachers regarding the teacher's areas of responsibility in teaching the developmental guidance curriculum.

1. Supports teachers in teaching "essential knowledge and skills" identified in the SBOE Rules for Curriculum which are guidance-related.

1. GUIDES INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS OF STUDENTS THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PLANS AND CAREER AWARENESS.

1. Involves students in personalized educational and career awareness.
2. Presents relevant information accurately and without bias.
3. Assists students with preparation of college entry, creation of 4 year plans, and assistance in completing college/university and scholarship applications.

ROLE 3:  COUNSELING

1. COUNSELS INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS WITH PRESENTING NEEDS/CONCERNS.

1. Provides counseling systematically.
2. Responds to students individually.

1. COUNSELS SMALL GROUPS OF STUDENTS WITH PRESENTING NEEDS/CONCERNS.

1. Provides counseling in groups as appropriate.
2. Provides group counseling systematically.

1. USES ACCEPTED THEORIES AND TECHNIQUES APPROPRIATE TO SCHOOL COUNSELING.

1. Uses accepted theories.
2. Uses effective techniques.

ROLE 4:  CONSULTATION

1. CONSULTS WITH PARENTS, TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND OTHER RELEVANT INDIVIDUALS TO ENHANCE THEIR WORK WITH STUDENTS.

1. Provides professional expertise collaboratively.
2. Interprets information and ideas effectively.
3. Advocates for students.

ROLE 5:  COORDINATION

1. COORDINATES WITH SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PERSONNEL TO BRING TOGETHER RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS.

1. Maintains a communication system that effectively collects and disseminates information about students to other professionals as appropriate.
2. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with other school professionals.
3. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with representatives of community resources.

1. USES AN EFFECTIVE REFERRAL PROCESS FOR ASSISTING STUDENTS AND OTHERS TO USE SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.

1. Accurately assesses students' and their families' needs for referral.
2. Participates actively in the process for referral of students to school/district special programs and/or services.
3. Uses an effective referral process for assisting students and others to use community agencies and services.

ROLE 6:  ASSESSMENT

1. PARTICIPATES IN THE PLANNING AND EVALUATION OF THE SCHOOL GROUP STANDARDIZED TESTING PROGRAM.

1. Is knowledgeable in the principles of testing and measurement which underlie standardized testing program development.

1. Collaborates in the planning and evaluation of group standardized testing.

1. INTERPRETS TEST AND OTHER APPRAISAL RESULTS APPROPRIATELY.

1. Correctly applies principles of test and measurement to test and other appraisal results interpretation.
2. Interprets test and other appraisal results to school personnel.
3. Interprets test and other appraisal results to students and their parents.
4. Uses other sources of student data as assessment tools for the purpose of educational planning.
5. Maintains the confidentiality of student assessment.

1. Ensures that the uses of student records are for the benefit of students and personnel working with those students.

ROLE 7:  PROFESSIONALISM

1. ADHERES TO ETHICAL AND LEGAL STANDARDS.

1. Observes ethical standards of the Texas and the American School Counselor Association.
2. Observes relevant legal standards.
3. Follows district policies, rules and regulations

1. ADHERES TO PROFESSIONAL DISTRICT STANDARDS.

1. Pursues continuous professional growth and development.
2. Keeps abreast of current and innovative procedures and practices in the fields of guidance and counseling and in education
3. Selects counselor interventions appropriate to students’ issues and circumstances.
4. Creates an atmosphere in which confidence, understanding and respect result in a helping relationship.
5. Maintains positive working relationships with other counselors, staff and administrators.
6. Maintains professional records.
7. Respects the integrity of the student.

ROLE 8:  Non – Guidance

1. Supervise assigned counseling aide(s) and clerical employee(s), if applicable.
2. Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing.  Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment.  Frequent district-wide and occasional travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

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The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.