Student Support Specialist - NWHS

Terms of Employment: 194 or 196 days, depending on experience within WCSD

Position Criteria:

• Masters degree in School Counseling with Professionsal Service License OR Iowa Teaching license with School Counselor 5-12, required
• Experience working with secondary (6-12) learner
• Experience working with At-Risk Students

Performance Responsibilities

• Implement the secondary counseling curriculum
• Guide individual and groups of students through the development of education, personal, social and career needs
• Counsel individuals and groups of student who demonstrate specific needs
• Work to increase student attendance and prevent students from dropping out of school.
• Help students evaluate career interests and choices
• Remain readily available to students so as to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding and maturity
• Work with students on an individual basis in the solution of personal problems related to such problems as home and family relations, health and emotional adjustments
• Guide students in their participation in school and community activities
• Confer with parents when necessary
• Provide in-service training in guidance for teachers and district staff
• Advise administrators and faulty on the matters of student discipline
• Determine and implement behavior supports and intervention, in compliance with district policy and building expectations.
• Consult with administrators, teachers, parents and staff regarding children's needs
• Connect children with specific needs and their parents to special programs, mental health services, specialists, and outside agencies when necessary
• Work with teachers and other staff members to familiarize them with the general range of services offered by the elementary guidance program
• Take an active role in interpreting the school's objectives to students, parents and community at large
• Interpret the guidance program to the community
• Plan and evaluate the guidance program
• Pursue continuous professional growth
• Develop and monitor accommodations and interventions; assist with the Problem Solving Process; collaborate with teachers and administrator to determine necessary changes
• Take an active role in interpreting the school's objectives to students, parents and the community at large
• Delivery of professional development in a variety of ways to enhance staff knowledge in the areas of working with at-risk students, implementing positive behavior supports and interventions in the classroom, responding to student needs, etc.
• Create and maintain healthy relationships with students
• Demonstrate flexibility, high levels of motivation and enthusiasm when working with all learners
• Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) and by able to apply that understanding to a team situation

Benefits:

• IPERS retirement account
• 403B Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) - $50 per month contribution for certified staff
• Health and Dental Insurance paid for the employee (spouse/family coverage available at an additional cost)
• Generous leave package including personal leave, sick leave, family sick leave, and bereavement leave
• Work shoe reimbursement, up to $175 (dependent on work shoe required and position)
• Employee use of District Facilities if a part of the Wellness program
• Wee Care - Childcare available at a cost for 6mos - 5y for staff's children
• Mileage is reimbursed for approved work-related travel in your personal vehicle completed during scheduled work hours