Guidance Counselor - St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School

Essential Communication Duties And Responsibilities

The applicant must be nurturing, creative and a dedicated professional with the ability to support the learning environment, cultivate critical thinking skills, work collaboratively as part of a team and lead small group lessons. The candidate must be supportive and respectful of the mission and tenets of the Roman Catholic Church.

Education

• A Master’s degree with a graduate major in guidance and counseling or counselor education is required, often requiring a supervised practicum.
• Certification: Valid Florida Department of Education Certification in School Counseling (Grades PK-12) is generally necessary.

Experience

• Previous experience working with children in a school setting is preferred.
• Minimum Teaching Experience 3+ years, preferred

Academic Advisory Services

• Collaborate with the Principal and Assistant Principals on strategic planning, enrichment, outreach, remediation, and standardized testing.
• Provide individual counseling, as well as small group and classroom guidance activities.
• Work with a culturally and academically diverse student population with varying learning needs.
• Guide individuals and groups of students through the development of educational plans.
• Communicate and exchange information with parents via conferences and parent information.
• Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding the developmental needs of students.
• Coordinate with the school’s resource teachers as needed.
• Participate in, coordinate, and conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the counseling program and school.
• Counseling Services
• Provide counseling services for students as needed.
• Refer students to appropriate program specialists or community agencies.
• Coordinate with the school’s police officer in matters of mental health and school safety.
• Aid administration as needed with behavioral/disciplinary issues or conferences.
• Provide a variety of intervention formats (individual, small, and large group) to assist students in the development of skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, value clarification, self-awareness, tolerance, and positive mental health.
• Aid students in understanding and managing their emotions, stress, conflicts, and responsibilities.
• Assist students in building respect for self and others, especially in the areas of social skills and conflict resolution.
• Consult with administration and teachers regarding student academic and behavioral issues to assist with formulating strategies to address concerns.

Curriculum Qualifications

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school.
• Mastery of curriculum and instruction in specialized area.
• Able to coordinate and moderate clubs, activities, and electives.
• Knowledge of current curricular trends and strategies.
• Must be able to demonstrate technology skills with Chrome Books, Clear Touch Boards, G-Suites.
• Knowledge of Professional Learning Communities and able to cooperate, contribute, and participate effectively in team meetings.
• Use of data-driven instruction to set goals, action plans, and task appropriate instruction.
• Create and plan cross co-curricular units with the infusion of real-world activities.

Professional Qualifications

• Impeccable communication and interpersonal skills.
• Professional demeanor.
• Must be able to complete assignments, grades, assessments in a timely manner.
• Must have excellent classroom management.
• Engage in departmental and interdepartmental curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Be available for consultation prior to and after the school date at the request of the Pastor/Principal.
• Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills including clear speaking voice.
• Experience in Roman Catholic environment preferred.
• Excellent presentation skills with skill in use of innovative instructional technologies.
• Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
• Good spelling and grammar required.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet.
• Ability to multi-task, work independently and make responsible judgment calls.
• Ability to work effectively with Diocesan employees, departments heads, representatives of other agencies and the general public.
• Excellent written, verbal and public speaking skills.
• Excellent analytical skills and problem-solving capacity.
• Ability to stay focused and organized.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to respect confidentiality and consistently exercise discretion and good business judgment.
• Strong ethical values.
• Adheres to the Diocese of Palm Beach Code of Conduct.
• Reliable insured vehicle and ability to travel to locations within the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional light lifting and carrying of under 15 pounds.
• Occasional moderate carrying and lifting of 15 – 44 pounds.
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, climbing, stretching and kneeling.
• Frequent use of both hands and fingers.
• Occasional moments of minimal and routine hearing.