.5 FTE School Counselor 2026/27 - Bend Senior High Shool - Temporary

Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

About the Role

As vital members of the school’s educational leadership team, school counselors maximize the success of ALL students by planning, implementing, evaluating, and improving the school’s comprehensive school counseling program. The Counselor is responsible for developing, implementing and managing a comprehensive school counseling program to serve the academic, social, and college/career development needs of students. The primary purpose of the comprehensive school counseling program is the support of the instructional and academic goals of Bend-La Pine Schools.

School counselors use a multi-tiered, multi-domain system of supports to promote students’ academic, college/career, and social/emotional development, spending the majority of their time in direct service with students or communicating with others on behalf of students. School counselors lead, advocate, and collaborate to effect positive systemic change that promotes equity and access for all students.

Responsibilities

• Implement a school counseling program aligned to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, schoolwide goals and improvement metrics, districtwide priorities, and current, evidence-based practices and systems that promote student success.
• Abide by the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counseling and the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies to guide professional growth and development.
• Conduct regular reviews of school and student data to inform student outcomes through program SMARTE goals, tiered supports, closing the gap activities, interventions, equity initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
• Engage in high-quality school counseling system support, including development of action plans, lesson plans, annual planning calendars, annual administrator conferences, needs assessments, results reports, data-sharing presentations, a school counseling program advisory council, progress monitoring of interventions, and regular meetings with other school counselors.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation of all services provided to students in accordance with professional licensure standards, Medicaid billing requirements, district policies, and state regulations.
• Evaluate and share the results of the school counseling program’s impact and effectiveness with key stakeholders, providing recommendations for improvement.
• Spend 80% or more of time providing direct student services (instruction, appraisal, advisement, and counseling) and indirect student services (collaboration, consultation, and referrals).
• Implement comprehensive Tier 1 school counseling supports that reach all students in academic, college/career, and social/emotional domains, including teaching developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive lessons and schoolwide programs.
• At the middle and high school levels, develop systems to ensure all students grades 7-12 complete and annually update their Oregon Educational Plan and Profile/Individual Learning Plans for graduation and postsecondary success.
• Coordinate programming to advise students on multiple postsecondary pathways (e.g., college, career-specific credentials or certificates, military, service programs, full-time employment).
• Provide information to assist students, parents, and the community with accessing college and career resources.
• Advertise course offerings to students and support the scheduling process when appropriate.
• Collaborate with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with educational and future planning.
• Provide intentional, targeted, culturally responsive Tier 2 interventions for students identified as needing additional support.
• Utilize responsive counseling, initiating individual and group sessions for students’ academic, social, and personal concerns.
• Provide intensified Tier 3 supports/referrals for students experiencing emergency or crisis situations, or those whose needs remain unmet after Tier 2 support.
• Assess student needs and make referrals to appropriate school resource personnel, social agencies, community agencies, and alternative programs.
• Consult, collaborate, and team with key stakeholders to support a comprehensive school counseling program and student success.
• Promote equity and access for all students and help create a school culture free from racism and bias in all forms.
• Utilize technology and virtual tools to support efficient and effective program delivery and communication.
• Actively pursue and participate in professional learning to stay current with evidence-based practices in the field.

Requirements

• Current concepts, procedures, and methods for ASCA-aligned school counseling programs.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, policies, and trends regarding school counseling.
• Understanding of course scheduling and student registration procedures.
• Familiarity with behavior management and communication techniques.
• Proficiency in computer technology as it relates to counseling services.
• Ability to conduct yearly program audits to review the extent and quality of program implementation.
• Ability to use academic grades, behavior referrals, and attendance data to identify students in need and deliver services.
• Ability to interpret tests, student data, and other assessment results to develop and implement academic plans for individual students.

Skills

• Fulfill the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Commitment to equity: Passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring every child receives an excellent education.
• Leadership: Coaches, mentors, and challenges others to excel despite obstacles.
• Focus on data-driven results: Relentlessly pursues improvement of performance and is driven by quantifiable student achievement gains.
• Innovative problem-solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility and sees challenges as opportunities for creative solutions.
• Adaptability: Excels in constantly changing environments and adapts flexibly to shifting priorities.
• Teamwork: Increases team effectiveness through collaboration, learning, and supporting others.
• Dependability: Delivers high-quality work under tight deadlines and manages multiple priorities.
• Communication and customer service: Communicates clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders in both oral and written forms.
• Ability to learn the Student Information System.
• Ability to analyze data to inform work and decision-making.
• Ability to perform duties as required by the Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (OAR 584-20-000 to 035).

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in school-based settings, including counseling offices, classrooms, and meeting spaces, with regular movement throughout school facilities. The position requires prolonged sitting, frequent computer use, documentation, classroom instruction, facilitation of small groups, and standing or walking for extended periods. The role may involve occasional lifting or transporting instructional or counseling materials.

The employee may be exposed to emotionally sensitive information, student crises, high-conflict situations, and elevated emotional environments while supporting students and families. The position includes direct service to students through individual and group counseling, classroom guidance lessons, and crisis response. Appropriate boundaries and confidentiality are maintained at all times.