What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Counselor - Washington Middle School position at Washington Middle School?
Middle School Counselor
Classification: Certified, Exempt
Qualifications:
Valid Missouri School Counselor’s certificate or eligibility for Missouri School Counselor certification.
Such alternatives to the above qualifications may be appropriate to the scope of the position. Examples include, eligibility for temporary certification typically obtained with a degree in social work, psychology, and/or licensed professional counseling credentials.
Reports to (Daily): Building Principal; Is included within the purview of the Director of Student Success and Character Development (evaluation and district programming)
Position Overview: The School District of Washington is seeking a school counselor responsible for planning and providing direct instruction and creating a positive culture centered on learning. Ideal candidates demonstrate the ability to form safe relationships with students, effective oral and written communication skills, high level organizational skills, and the ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups. This position has a key role in fostering a positive, productive, and safe environment for students.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Provide a variety of substantial responsive services to address pressing or emerging needs in order to develop and maintain an extensive school system of support.
- Services implementation as it aligns to the District curriculum and assessment plan, student reporting cycles, and Section 504 development/implementation as required of the position.
- Utilize effective communication with students establishing secure student relationships within the boundaries required to create and maintain a positive culture.
- Utilize data from multiple sources to analyze progress, modify instructional support efforts, and monitor effectiveness of the counseling program.
- Communicate student progress to multiple professionals, parents, and students as appropriate for the purpose of improving student outcomes and maintaining records. The School Counselor continually and consistently collaborates with educators and other professionals both within the school system and from other agencies in a systematic way.
- Observe, promote, and support professional development activities, responsibilities, and ethical practices related to the scope of this position.
- Cooperate in partnerships and collaborative efforts to support student learning and progress toward identified outcomes.
- Regular and reliable attendance is necessary in order to perform the functions of this position.
- Report suspected abuse, neglect, discrimination, harassment, bullying, suicidal thoughts, etc. as directed by Board of Education Policy and otherwise required by law.
- Perform other related duties as assigned or required for District operations.
Other Related Responsibilities:
- Maintains appropriate student records and timelines.
- Attend meetings and workshops necessary for District operations and to enhance knowledge in areas of general responsibility.
- Maintains confidential nature of all school related material.
- Perform associated roles as required for building operations and to respond in the event of an emergency.
- Attend events outside of the regular school day designed to bring the public into the school, serve on a committee, plan appropriate instruction, and attend required meetings associated with the role of “counselor”.
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: Middle school counselors work the school year as posted (183 days) plus an 20 day extended contract implemented May/June. The position includes applicable health and ancillary insurance, annual paid leave award, and defined benefit pension plan. Starting salary established by the Board of Education as posted aligned to the degree column on the teacher pay schedule. The extended day contract is based on the individuals per day rate for the term. A limit of step 11 as the entry point on the salary schedule is defined by District policy.
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated by the supervisor using the tool from Network for Educator Effectiveness.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND VISUAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. Additionally, the employee may occasionally be required to push or lift up to 50 lbs as necessary for the safety and well-being of others. Lastly, this job requires the employee to have the vision ability to read handwritten or typed materials, and meet multiple demands from several people while interacting with other staff and the public.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
JOB DUTIES: The most significant duties of this position have been included in this job description. However, this job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties performed. In addition, the District may modify this position as needed to reflect the assignment of additional or supplemental duties assigned. Employees are expected to perform all assigned duties regardless of whether such duties appear in this job description.
Revised: February, 2025