School Counselor (Middle School)

Waterbury Public Schools

JOB CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Middle School Counselor

BARGAINING UNIT CLASSIFICATION: Waterbury Teachers' Association CEA-NEA

DEPARTMENT: College and Career Readiness

REPORTS TO: Receives administrative direction from the Principal or other administrative official of a higher grade

INCUMBENT NAME

FLSA DESIGNATION: Exempt

Part i - Summary Of Classification

This class of educators are uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, who understand and promote success for today's diverse students. They implement a school counseling framework along with the Portrait of a Graduate to support students through this important developmental period in a safe, supportive, culturally sustaining, and equitable learning environment. (ASCA, 2019).

Part Ii - Qualifications

• Master's Degree in School Counseling from an accredited college or university in School Counseling
• School Counselor Certification issued by the CT State Department of Education (068)
• Connecticut requirements for certification as a School Counselor
• Continuing education requirements of a Certified School Counselor
  
  

PART III - DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities).

The Essential Role of the Middle School Counselor

• Use school counseling research-based standards and competencies to inform the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling framework to create systematic change;
• Provide appraisal and advisement to all students through large group, classroom, small group and individual settings regarding academic, career, and social/emotional needs;
• Implement a developmentally appropriate school counseling curriculum to all students;
• Consult and collaborate with teachers, families, administrators, support staff, and outside agencies in regards to early identification and intervention of students' academic and social/emotional needs critical to achievement and success;
• Make referrals to appropriate school and community resources;
• Provide short-term small group and individual counseling to help students learn coping skills for personal, social, academic, and family concerns;
• Implement an effective career exploration program for all students;
• Collaborate with high school staff to assist students in making a smooth transition to high school; explore high school options, and provide orientation activities for incoming students and their families;
• Consult and be a resource for teachers. Take a leadership role in seeing the infusion of counseling content into the curriculum;
• Provide family education materials and programming, helping families with school related problems and issues;
• Work collaboratively with school psychologists, social workers, nurses, and other agencies to provide multi-tiered systems of support to students and families;
• Review the comprehensive school counseling framework annually, revising it as needed and planning yearly/monthly calendars of counseling program activities as well as conducting annual needs assessments;
• Advocacy for all students regarding rigorous courses and higher education, fair, just and compassionate treatment, for underrepresented groups, including high needs populations and families;
• Use data to develop and implement action plans, identify gaps in achievement, opportunity and attainment to provide student services;
• Participate in team meetings, student strategy teams, and 504/PPT meetings as appropriate;
• Create a college and career readiness culture;
• Provide students with the opportunity to explore and understand college and career readiness options;
• Assists with the building testing as needed (e.g.,: SBAC, NGSS, PSAT);
• Participates in parent, teacher, and student conferences as requested and initiates such conferences as needed
• Utilizes available technology resources to enhance the school counseling program, including but not limited to: Google Suite, PowerSchool, and Naviance.
  
  

PART IV - POSITION SUPERVISES

May provide supervision of School Counseling interns to assist the student in completing requirements to obtain certification.

Part v - Working Conditions, Physical And Mental Requirements

Employees appointed to positions in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties of the class. A physical examination may be required.

Frequency: Place an "X" in each box that is appropriate to your job.

NEVER (N)

OCCASIONALLY (O)

FREQUENTLY (F)

CONSTANTLY (C)

0 % of Shift

1-33% of Shift

34-66% of Shift

67-100% of Shift

Working Conditions

N

O

F

C

Working Conditions

N

O

F

C

Physical Demands

Depth Perception

X

Standing

X

Color Distinction

X

Walking

X

Peripheral Vision

X

Sitting

X

Driving

X

Lifting

X

Physical Strength

Carrying

X

Little Physical Effort (-10 lbs.)

X

Pushing

X

Light Work (-20 lbs.)

X

Pulling

X

Medium Work (20-50 lbs.)

X

Climbing

X

Heavy Work (50-100 lbs.)

X

Balancing

X

Very Heavy Work (100 lbs.)

X

Stooping

X

Environmental Conditions

Kneeling

X

Cold (50 degrees F or less)

X

Crouching

X

Heat (90 degrees F or more)

X

Crawling

X

Temperature Changes

X

Reaching

X

Wetness

X

Handling

X

Humidity

X

Grasping

X

Extreme Noise or Vibration

X

Twisting

X

Exposure to Chemicals

X

Feeling

X

Exposure to Gases and Fumes

X

Talking

X

Exposure to Unpleasant Odors

X

Hearing

X

Exposure to bodily fluids

X

Repetitive Motion

X

Exposure to dampness

X

Hand/Eye/Foot Coordination

X

Confinement to a Small or Restricting Area

X

Visual Acuity/Near

X

Mechanical Hazards

X

Visual Acuity/Far

X

Physical danger or abuse

X

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities and duties performed by personnel so classified.

Waterbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the District when necessary.

Prepared on: December 2, 2020