Guidance Counselor

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Director of Pupil Services, provide students, parents, administrators, and other teaching staff with information on career and/or educational opportunities; administer and interpret career assessment tools; and assist students in developing educational and occupational goals and plans.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in evaluating aptitudes and abilities through interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data; work with students to develop education and occupation plans consistent with such evaluation.
• Assist students in making course and subject selections, and evaluating career interests and choices.
• Assist in the scheduling of classes.
• Obtain and disseminate information regarding occupational opportunities to students and classes studying occupations.
• Assist students with admissions, scholarships, and identifying employment opportunities.
• Coordinate with administrators and other teaching staff to ascertain individual student abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and familiarize stakeholders with guidance services.
• Research educational and career opportunities; coordinate with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists, and business and community organizations to provide information and make recommendations.
• Assist with registration and orientation of students new to the school regarding procedures and educational opportunities.
• Assist with the school district's dropout prevention efforts.
• Serve as a ready resource to provide counseling that leads each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Plan and coordinate field trips to institutions of higher learning, businesses, and other organizations related to guidance responsibilities.
• Continue to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, conducting research, and maintaining professional relationships with institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organize and maintain a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourage parental involvement in students' education and ensure effective communication with students and parents.
• Assist in the orientation of new teachers and provide in-service training in guidance.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Requirements

• Knowledge of pre/post high school program eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of college/university admissions processes, scholarship programs, and other educational opportunities.
• Knowledge of current developments in business and industry regarding career opportunities and employment.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications

• Appropriate endorsement from the MS Department of Education.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Master's degree preferred.

Physical Requirements

Works in standard office and school building environments. (See also the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.)

Equipment

• Standard office equipment: personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, telephone.

Travel

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

FLSA Status: Exempt