School Counselor

Primary Purpose

The School Counselor will work with school leaders, faculty, staff, students, parents and the community to develop, implement, and evaluate a high-quality comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program for grades 9-12. The school counselor should be the educational professional who has the holistic view of the students’ overall academic plans and progress. This position also entails evaluating transcripts, scheduling students, assisting with state testing rosters, and conducting individual and group counseling sessions.

Qualifications

• Education/Certification: Master’s degree in guidance counseling, Valid Texas certification as a Counselor, or Valid out of State School Counselor certification with the ability to obtain Texas certification within one (1) year of employment
• Experience: At least 2 years of high school counseling experience, preferred
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledgeable of counseling procedures, student appraisal and career development, Exhibits effective human relations and ability to promote a positive and caring environment, Ability to interact and communicate effectively with students, staff and parents, Effective and efficient decision-making skills, Possesses skill in planning, problem solving and organizing needed work assignment, Uses effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly, Skills in Microsoft Office Suite, SQL Data and Windows Applications

Major Responsibilities And Duties

• Work with frequent deadlines
• Aid the high school principal and staff in the registration of all students
• Work to prevent students from dropping out of school
• Maintain a constant dialogue and communications relationship with administration, faculty, and parents
• Be actively involved in and serves as a resource person for all students and teachers
• Compile, maintain and file all reports, records, and other required documents
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and serve on committees as required
• Develop and implement procedures to monitor at-risk students and ensure that resources are in place to support student success
• Consults with parents, teachers, administrators and other relevant individuals to improve student retention
• Provide guidance and transition information to parents and students as students move from one grade level to the next
• Responsible for course placement for new and returning students
• Evaluate student transcripts, review for accuracy and create four-year plans
• Maintain accurate information regarding graduation requirements, course offerings and program options
• Coordinate the administration of standardized testing programs and interpret test results for students and parents
• Maintain confidentiality of student assessment
• Promote and support efforts to help students develop problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Assist students in learning appropriate school behavior and developing self-awareness and social skills through individual and group guidance and counseling activities
• Any other duties as assigned

School Climate

• Maintains an effective and positive relationship with supervisors and campus staff
• Effectively communicates with colleagues, students, and parents

Program Planning and Management

• Effectively plans the school guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs
• Performs leadership in the development and implementation of the comprehensive school counseling program
• Teaches school developmental guidance curriculum to students
• Provides guidance through individual planning to develop educational plans
• Provides voluntary and confidential counseling to individuals and small groups relative to their concerns and needs
• Works with school personnel to obtain resources for students
• Uses an effective referral process to help students and others use special programs and services
• Assumes responsibility for compiling, maintaining and filing all reports, records, and any other documents required

School Improvement

• Interprets test results appropriately
• Evaluates the guidance program and implements changes based on need

Professional Growth and Development

• Keep informed and comply with state, district, and federal program policies and procedures