School Counselor (Applicant Pool)

About the role

The OPS School Counseling framework is built on a strengths-based foundation. Strengths-based school counseling focuses on identifying strengths and promoting development. By assuming a more proactive role, students are served more effectively. School counseling services are delivered via curriculum, individual student planning, and responsive services with a focus on being data/results driven to ensure accountability.

The School Counseling program supports students' (K-12) preparation for college, career, and life. School counselors monitor the progress of their assigned students, focusing on improving school connectedness to assist students and families in overcoming barriers that are impacting student success.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Developing students’ cognitive capacity and respect for learning
• Positively fostering students’ self-esteem
• Working with and understanding a diverse student population
• Integration of leadership, technology, and communication in to the curriculum
• Planning for and guiding the learning process to help students achieve program objectives
• Maintaining an atmosphere conducive to learning
• Selecting and using effective instructional methods and learning materials
• Establishing a cooperative relationship with all assigned students
• Maintaining open lines of communication with parents, guardians, and staff
• Engaging in professional growth activities through an ongoing program of job-related knowledge and skill development
• Working collaboratively to achieve the overall purpose of the school’s program and support the District’s vision, aims, and goals
• Integrating the themes of leadership, technology, and communication with a diverse population

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent

Equipment

• This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Work in school building environments

Interrelations

• Contact with personnel within the district and other stakeholders
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the building administration in order to complete day-to-day tasks
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to stakeholder needs and maintain a positive attitude with all
• Expected to interact with all internal and external stakeholders in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave

Terms of Employment

• This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position
• The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract
• If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative