26/27 SY : Counselor - Houston

Position: Counselor | Department: Campus Supervisor Principal | Salary: Board approved pay scale | Status: Exempt | Travel: As needed | Supervises: Per RMA Board approved organizational chart

About the role

To assist students, parents and RMA staff in understanding graduation requirements, preparing student personal graduation plans and providing needed information to instructional and assessment staff in a way that advances student success in the classroom.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Counselor Coordinator and Principal to develop a master schedule that meets the needs of students while preserving sound instructional practice.
• Assists students and parents in the course selection process.
• Maintains student records and protects their confidentiality.
• Works to assist students in overcoming educational handicaps.
• Works to prevent students from dropping out of school.
• Helps students evaluate career interests and choices.
• In concert with the Special Projects Director, coordinates all state testing at the site.
• Works with students, both individually and in groups, in the solution of problems related to instructional difficulties.
• Convenes parent-teacher conferences when necessary.
• Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
• Works with the Director of Special Populations to disseminate educational, occupational, and military information consistent with graduation goals and – when needed – IEP transition planning.
• Assists students in making application to college and other post-secondary schools.
• Makes recommendations to colleges for admission and financial aid.
• Counsels students in the areas of educational and vocational planning.
• Refers students to other schools, community agencies, or professionals capable of rendering services not available at the school.
• As assigned by the State Special Projects Director, prepares and trains all personnel for State Assessments per TEA guidelines as required.
• Attends/serves as the EOC Coordinator for the assigned RMA campus.
• Is responsible for the required preparation of individual Graduation Plans and updating the plan within 15 days of all earned credits and in advance of all special education ARD meetings.
• Assists the Principal with scheduling and conducting parent-student conferences at least annually regarding individual Graduation Plans.
• Enters/updates all high school transcripts into Websmart system in a timely manner.
• Is a required member of the Campus Improvement Team and the campus Attendance Committee.
• Conducts/approves all schedule changes in each grading period.
• Is responsible for informing students and parents of graduation ceremonies, collecting/completing all graduation documentation for central office within the required timelines.
• Is responsible for accurately computing GPAs and Class Rankings per RMA guidelines and seeking prior approval for each by the Counselor Coordinator before communicating this information to students, faculty, or the public.
• Is responsible for attending appropriate training(s) regarding graduation requirements as needed.
• Serves as a campus school board member unless the campus is rated Academically Unacceptable by the State.
• Other duties as assigned by the Principal, Counselor Coordinator, or Superintendent up to and including site support at all RMA campuses.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Maintains a valid current certification as a guidance counselor, age-appropriate for the assignment as required by federal, state, or local regulations, laws, or regulatory bodies including the No Child Left Behind Act; which may also include acceptable scores on mandatory tests or other documentation meeting requirements set forth by the organization and/or regulatory bodies for this position.
• At least three (3) years of successful teaching experience preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated understanding of state test procedures and prior testing experience.
• Prior experience or formal training in working with “at-risk” students preferred.
• Demonstrated aptitude to perform the tasks listed.
• Proven ability to work in a polite and friendly manner with a variety of constituencies including parents, students, and staff.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the district may find appropriate and acceptable.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, during normal business hours.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.