Middle School Counselor

About the role

To 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.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Assists students in evaluating students' aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and works with students in developing education and occupation plans consistent with such evaluation.
• Affords assistance to students in making course and subject selections, as well as with evaluating career interests and choices.
• Schedules classes.
• Acquires and disseminates information regarding occupational opportunities to students and to classes studying occupations.
• Affords assistance to students with admissions, scholarships, and identifying employment opportunities.
• Collaborates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with guidance services.
• Researches educational and career opportunities, and coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists, and business and community organizations for the purpose of providing information, and making recommendations.
• Affords assistance to new students in registering and orienting them regarding procedures and educational opportunities.
• Affords support to the school district's dropout prevention efforts.
• Serves as a resource to students to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Plans and coordinates field trips to institutions of higher learning, businesses, and other organizations related to guidance responsibilities.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organizes and maintains 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.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Affords assistance in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Director of Student Services and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• 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 system 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 Profile

• Certification/License: PA State Certification as a School Counselor
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
• Education: Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment. Masters Degree preferred.
• Experience: Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

Works in standard office and school building environments.