Middle School Counselor

Waterloo Schools is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Summary: A professional licensed school counselor implements a comprehensive, developmental counseling program for students in grades K-12 based on ASCA standards for students. The counselor provides 1:1 short-term counseling, small groups, and facilitates classroom lessons in the areas of academic, personal, social, and career awareness. The counselor works with teachers and other professionals in the building, as well as outside agencies, to meet the needs of students. The counselor provides early intervention and remediation as needed. The counselor functions as a liaison person to outside agencies to provide more intensive help for students and connecting them to community resources. The counselor follows professional and ethical guidelines as established by state and national counseling organizations.

Certification:

• Master’s Degree in Professional School Counselor with School Counseling Endorsement
• Must hold a school counseling endorsement for the appropriate level (K-12 license)

Experience:

• Dependent on specific open position Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, families and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability
• Knowledge of processes to address cultural diversity and associated issues related to student performance and instructional methodology
• Demonstrated record of commitment and sensitivity to affirmative action, equal opportunity and human rights
• Demonstrated experience as a self-starter
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to accomplish tasks through the group process
• Ability to recognize sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills

Knowledge in Technology:

• Knowledge of Google Suite applications
• Knowledge of computer-related storage devices
• Knowledge of educational copyright laws
• Knowledge of computer security expectations

Personal Contacts:

• Students and families
• All district personnel
• Community members
• Success Street
• Partners in Education
• Referral Agencies

Job Duties:

Professional School Counselor Duties:

• The counselor provides 1:1 short-term counseling, small groups, and classroom lessons in the areas of academic, personal, social , and career awareness.
• • Welcome students new to the school.
  • Develop ongoing personal relationships with students.
  • Assist students in grade level transitions.
  • Assist in career awareness and career exploration.

• Implement the appropriate counseling curriculum, with the cooperation and collaboration of staff.
• • Work with building teams to deliver the District’s developmentally sequenced lessons or activities in the classroom.

• Consult with teachers, staff, and families regarding developmental needs of students.
• • Participate in consultation with administrators, teachers, families, and others to improve student academic achievement and social/emotional development.
  • Serve as an active member of the various building initiatives team.
  • Conduct professional development for staff when appropriate.
  • Participate in conferences with teachers, families, and students as needed.
  • Assist families with problems impacting their child’s success in school.

• Refer students with critical needs in consultation with their guardian to appropriate community resources.
• • Consult, coordinate, and refer students to community services such as psychologists, community - based counselors, service agencies, and physicians.

• Coordinate, conduct, or participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.
• Act as an advocate for all students.

• Ensure accessibility of all programs for all students.
• • Maintain a current knowledge of equity and diversity issues.
  • Promote equitable educational opportunities for all students.
  • Assist school staff members in accommodating students (504 plans, Check In Check Out, Tier 2 plans, Tier 3 plans, Solutions interventions, safety plans)
• Evaluate and revise the school counseling program as needed.

• Pursue professional growth.
• • Attend state and local staff development programs when possible or when deemed appropriate.
  • Demonstrate continued professional growth through activities such as
    attending workshops, classes, and conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In addition to these responsibilities, teachers assigned to special federal and state programs or grants must abide by the federal legislation and the rules and regulations that govern

program/grant compliance. Specifically:

TITLE I – Public Law 103-382, the rules and regulations that govern Title I – Helping
Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards of the Improving America’s School Act of
1994, and the District’s policies and procedures for implementation.
SPECIAL EDUCATION – Public Law 94-142 amended by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Iowa Administrative Code, the federal and state rules and regulations to govern the operation and administration of special education, and the District’s policies and procedures for implementation.

Terms of Employment: As defined by the Code of Iowa and Board policy.