School Counselor

About the role

The counselor provides a comprehensive guidance and counseling program for students; consults and collaborates with teachers, parents, and staff; and provides support to school and district educational programs.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in counseling from an accredited college/university
• Current Kansas teaching license with an endorsement to function as a school counselor is required

Physical/Emotional Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Performance Responsibilities

• Modifies counseling to meet individual student needs
• Develops and presents structured classroom guidance sessions
• Affords assistance to pupils new to the district or school
• Affords assistance in the registration and enrollment of students
• Affords assistance in the implementation of the district assessment program
• Interprets test data to faculty and administration
• Works with students on an individual and small group basis
• Demonstrates an understanding of how students develop and learn
• Communicates high expectations to all students
• Possesses effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Collaborates with all stakeholders
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability when dealing with all stakeholders
• Clearly and effectively conveys ideas and thoughts to others
• Uses a variety of verbal, nonverbal, and media techniques
• Sets, listens, and responds appropriately to suggestions, requests, and concerns
• Demonstrates an up-to-date and extensive knowledge of counseling and effectively communicates this understanding to students
• Effectively implements the district-adopted curriculum
• Makes students aware of assessment standards and learner expectations
• Affords assistance to students in developing self-assessment skills
• Maintains up-to-date records
• Creates a positive, inviting, and safe environment
• Communicates realistic and consistent expectations for student behavior
• Recognizes and appreciates diversity and individual differences
• Demonstrates conflict resolutions skills
• Continuously improves professional skills
• Recognizes and provides for individual differences and adjusts practices accordingly
• Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day
• Supports the District’s educational mission for all students and implements all Board regulations and policies in a fair and equitable manner

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board policy on evaluation of Certified employees.

Department

Certified Secondary 6-12

Locations

• Topeka West High School
• Landon Middle School

About Topeka Public Schools

Our Vision: Topeka Public Schools is recognized nationally for:

• Academic excellence
• Post-secondary and career success
• Achievement in arts, athletics and extracurricular activities

Strengthened by diversity and a welcoming and inclusive environment, our district will cultivate partnerships with staff, families, businesses, and the greater community to develop students' educational, physical, and social-emotional well being.

Our Mission: Engage students in the highest quality learning. Prepare students for responsible and productive citizenship. Inspire excellence for a lifetime.