Guidance Counselor

About the role

The Counselor will develop and implement a school guidance program focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and vocational growth of each student. The counselor will be responsible for meeting the Competencies for New Mexico School Counselors.

Responsibilities

• Support existing programs focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and vocational growth of each student.
• Where programs do not exist or are in need of revision, the counselor will work with administration and teachers to develop and implement such programs.
• Cook up activities that support the guidance and counseling program.
• Provide information and facilitate guidance activities for students, staff and parents.
• Serve as a consultant to the school and community.
• Provide individual and group short-term interventions based upon current need.
• Serve as a resource to facilitate groups and presentations on pertinent issues.
• Provide prevention strategies that address current issues such as chemical dependency, teenage pregnancy, suicide, dropping out, and various forms of abuse.
• Conduct orientation/training programs for students, parents and staff.
• Mediate for changes in behavior and conflict resolution.
• Aid others in their understanding of personal and social development.
• Provide support to individuals by addressing topics such as interpersonal relations, communication, decision-making, problem solving skills, academic programs, and career, and life planning.
• Make referrals to school and community resources when necessary.
• Participate in the development of policies concerning guidance and counseling.
• Stay informed about developments and innovations within the profession at the local, state and national levels.
• Follow the legal and ethical standards of the counseling profession.
• Supervise extracurricular activities as designated by the principal.
• Determine schedules (Middle and High School).
• Provide information on colleges, technical programs, military jobs and other programs for graduate planning (Middle and High School).
• Write recommendations for students for job and education applications (Middle and High School).
• Participate in school teams/committees.
• Support district initiatives.
• Accept other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the principal.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in school Counseling or National Certified Counselor credential issued by the Nation Board for Certified Counselors,
• A valid New Mexico counselor license,
• 3 years experience in public school teaching and/or related counseling experience.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the job and access the environment for which you are hired.
• The following may be required: Sitting, standing, lifting, moving about the room or school, carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, kneeling, prolonged typing, physical ability to type on a keyboard terminal, and moving light furniture.

Equipment/Technology

• Must know how to properly operate or be willing to learn to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology.

Work Environment

• Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality.
• Interruptions of work are routine.
• Flexibility and patience are required.
• Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignment without direct supervision.

Terms of Employment

• Salary and work calendar established yearly by the district.
• Elementary School Counselor is a 187 day contract.
• Middle School Counselor is a 200-day contract.
• High School Counselor is a 200-day contract.