Job Summary :

The Districtwide Newcomer School Counselor coordinates a comprehensive counseling program for newly arrived immigrant, refugee, and migrant students in the district based on the Oregon Framework for School Counseling Programs and its components (Guidance Curriculum, Individual Planning, Responsive Services, System Support, and Student Advocacy).

The goal of this position is to both set up sustainable services for this student population as well as provide direct service for those students who need additional support to access the resources available to them.

This position focuses on the systemic needs of the newcomer population and their families so that they may access the school and community based services available to all students in the academic, career, community involvement, and personal / social domains of school counseling.

This position will collaborate with students and families to best identify their strengths and needs and will coordinate services on their behalf with district and school staff, parents, the community, and the students themselves.

Essential Job Functions :

• Implements, in collaboration with the school counselors, the Individual Planning Component by guiding individuals and groups of students and their parents through the development of plans that lead to educational and career success especially with a focus on students who are new to the country and / or for whom English is not their first language
• Implements in collaboration with the school counselors, the Responsive Services Component through the use of individual and small group counseling, consultation, and referral, especially with a focus on students who are new to the country and / or for whom English is not their first language
• Implements in collaboration with the System Support Component through counseling program management and support for other educational programs, especially with a focus on students who are new to the country and / or for whom English is not their first language
• Implements in collaboration with the student advocacy component to achieve student success, especially with a focus on students who are new to the country and / or for whom English is not their first language.

Fulfills professional responsibilities such as : Positively communicating and interacting with the entire school community Demonstrating commitment to ongoing growth Demonstration of professional and responsible work habits Following the profession’s ethical and legal standards and guidelines, as well as promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity in school policy and interpersonal relationships

Essential Job Requirements - Qualifications :

Skills, Knowledge and / or Abilities Required : Skills to communicate effectively, problem solve with students and their families who are new to this country and / or whose first language is other than English Skills to establish and maintain a positive and empathetic relationship with students who may have experienced recent and prolonged trauma due to circumstances in departing from their country of origin and immigrating to this county.

Knowledge of the specific needs, supports and services specifically for the families and students who are new to this country Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and students across multiple grade levels in order to serve newcomer students and their families.

Ability to be flexible and adaptive to the needs of students and families Ability to maintain professional boundaries while working with students and families, many of whom have needs that extend into the evenings and weekends.

Knowledge of curriculum, education code, district policies, problem solving methodology Abilities to sit for prolonged periods, maintain and verify completeness of records, meet schedules and deadlines, communicate with persons of varied cultural and educational backgrounds, communicate in oral and written form.

Significant physical abilities include reaching / handling / fingering, talking / hearing conversations, near visual activity / visual accommodation Preferred candidates will be able to speak, write, read and listen in Spanish and / or Ukrainian as well as English

Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and / or Testing Required : State of Oregon School Counselor License or School Social Work License Current First Aid Card

Applicants with culturally diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Gresham-Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment.

Gresham-Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Last updated : 2024-05-22