What are the responsibilities and job description for the Secondary School Counselor, WAMS position at Williamsport Area School District?
The Williamsport Area School District is accepting applications for an anticipated vacancy for a Secondary School Counselor for the 2025-2026 school year. The location is at the Williamsport Area Middle School or at the determination of the Superintendent. Salary as per the current contract schedule. Job requirements as per job description; PDE Certification in School Counselor PK-12 REQUIRED.
To apply please click on the link on the right side of this page. Current employees should click on this link, Internal Applications, or follow the instructions to complete an INTERNAL application.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR WASD EMPLOYEES:
The criteria used for determining eligibility when applying for posted vacancies is "seniority date". This date is a reference to the employee’s start date as a permanent employee with the district.
- Professional staff who have been in the District fewer than four years, must complete 4 years before applying for internal vacancies
- Any employee who voluntarily transferred in to a position beginning with the 2018-19 school year must be in that position for at least 5 years before bidding on vacancies again.
All bids and applications must be submitted online for consideration. Email jobs@wasd.org for assistance. EOE.
Internal Applications Deadline SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION – SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Basic Functions:
The School Counselor plans and administers the guidance program to provide support services for students to successfully complete instructional programs and classroom operations in compliance with guidelines and regulations determined by the administration, Board of Directors, state and federal agencies. He/she will assist the staff in creating an environment that encourages learning, motivates students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to establish and continue a firm foundation to perpetuate the appropriate learning experience through the post secondary education and/or career opportunities. The School Counselor will utilize all resources available to establish a cooperative relationship with parents, students, staff members and administrators to support each student’s opportunity to learn and grow in educational and life experiences.
The position of School Counselor is a 188-day position and shall include active participation in the school’s operation to support a positive learning environment. The position reports to and is evaluated annually by the Building Principal and/or his/her designee.
Education and Experience:
The requirements for this position are a minimum of a master’s degree and appropriate Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) K-12 school counselor certification and qualifications prescribed by law, to include ESSA. Prior experience working with students who have experienced trauma in their lives, and prior experience with small group and individual counseling utilizing best practice and research based curriculums, is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The School Counselor will demonstrate proficiency with the WASD educational curriculum, benchmarks, PA standards, and appropriate assessment. He/she will strengthen his/her abilities by reviewing innovative programs supported by best practice and research. The School Counselor will have the ability to assist students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through interpretation of individualized standardized test scores, educational performance and other pertinent data. He/she will assist students in developing education and occupation plans based upon student performance and demonstrated abilities.
The School Counselor must be able to articulate the school and district goals regarding the District’s educational programs to staff, students, parents, and community members. He/she must possess the knowledge, pedagogical abilities and attitudes necessary to be a successful scholar, counselor and agent for curriculum enhancement and change. The School Counselor must be aware of and comfortable using computer and technological applications as educational tools, to include using e-mail, Microsoft Word, spreadsheets, and curriculum based software.
Authority and Responsibilities [(E) Denotes Essential Functions]
- Assists students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data. (E)
- Works with students in developing strategies to successfully benefit from the educational programs and, when appropriate, plan for post-secondary education and occupation opportunities based upon documented performance and abilities. (E)
- Instructs students in citizenship and advises on decision-making techniques as specified in state laws, regulations, and District policies.
- Provides counseling services to students (as necessary) to enhance personal growth, self-understanding and maturity as related to educational programs, social issues and personal concerns according to and within prescribed boundaries established by law, regulations and District policies. (E)
- Selects, designs, and organizes objectives, strategies, and materials for guidance and counseling services to assist students in completing successful educational and social experience with the school environment. (E)
- Evaluates students’ academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records and maintains avenues of communication with students, parents, and staff members and utilizes appropriate school and community resources to support student progress. (E)
- Uses data to improve the learning and instruction process, social and personal development. (E).
- Supports staff members in creating an effective learning environment. (E)
- Assists in developing and monitoring orientation services for new students.
- Participates in the selection of books and other instructional materials. (E)
- Administers and provides guidance to the staff members in administering standardized tests in accordance with state and District regulations. (E)
- Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned work day. (E)
- Participates in curriculum development programs and programs designed to enhance social and personal development within the school setting. (E)
- Is an active member of the School Wide Positive Behavior Committee, and facilitates implementation in the building. (E)
- Facilitates and meets with small groups of students to aide social development, and a positive school experience for students. (E)
- Assists principals special education supervisor and psychologists in facilitation and scheduling of student support meetings. (E)
- Participates in faculty meetings, meetings and other faculty sponsored programs supporting the educational program. (E)
- Maintains professional competence through District sponsored in-service programs and approved professional development activities. (E)
- Demonstrates regular and timely attendance. (E)
- Is able to speak and write in a clear, concise manner. (E)
- Is able to move throughout the building (all floors) and school grounds as necessary with or without reasonable accommodation. (E)
- Is able to perform sedentary work and lift up to ten (10) pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. (E)
- Collaborates and cooperates with other professional staff members and administrators in facilitating the delivery of the entire educational program and supporting social and counseling programs to students. (E)
- Follows all Board policies, building procedures and submits required information and reports within identified timelines and/or as necessary. (E)
- Actively communicates the role of the Guidance Counselor to students, staff, parents, and community. (E)
- Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Building Principal, Director of Student Services, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent his/her designee. (E)Actively communicates the role of the Guidance Counselor to students, staff, parents and community. (E)
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Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Building Principal, Director of Student Services, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent his/her designee. (E)
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, tasks, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with this position. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, management reserves the right to modify essential functions of the job, or to require that additional or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (i.e., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technical developments).
Primary Location WIlliamsport Area Middle School Salary Range Per Year Shift Type Full-Time