Guidance Counselor

Description

The school guidance counselor assists students in becoming responsible adults. Continuous attention is given to assisting students to develop competence in decision making, working with others, and taking responsibility for their own behavior in accordance with school policies and procedures. Under the guidance of the School Leader, this position implements counseling activities designed to infuse guidance learning activities and preparation for post-secondary options into the school's regular education curriculum.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide comprehensive guidance program for student’s school-wide, helping teachers improve classroom management and provide quality instruction to assist students in achieving high academic standards.
• Provide activities to meet the needs of students.
• Consult with teachers, staff and parents to enhance their effectiveness in helping students.
• Respond to mental health needs of students, staff, and families related to incidents of school violence, crime, accidents, terrorist activities, or other traumatic events in the school and community.
• Work with teachers and other staff to develop and implement targeted or school-wide programs to improve school functioning, school safety, and student mental health.
• Guide and counsel groups and individual students through the development of education and career plans, offering information and guidance on post-secondary education and training options, and assisting students and their families in meeting the financial requirements for post-secondary education. Provide resources an information to assist in career awareness and career exploration activities.
• Assist students and their families to overcome personal problems or disabilities that affect students' academic achievement and relationships with peers, family members, and others.
• Counsel small groups and individual students with problems.
• Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students.
• Provide a list of resources to students with several problems as to appropriate community resources in consultation with their parents.
• Conduct guidance activities in the classroom as planned in conjunction with school administrators and teachers; consult with and be a resource person for teachers to facilitate the infusion of guidance learning activities into the regular education curriculum.
• Establish effective liaison with all grade levels; act as an advocate for students, as appropriate, in conjunction with faculty or staff.
• Conduct structured, goal oriented counseling sessions to meet the identified needs of individuals or groups of students. Session topics at the elementary level may include self-awareness, self-identity, academic topics, behavior and peer problems, family issues, child abuse and substance abuse.
• Participate in staffing and conduct in-service programs for faculty; conduct and facilitate conferences with teacher, student and parents; conduct or provide opportunities for parent education programs and assist families with school related problems.
• Consult and coordinate with in-district and community agencies after consulting with student's parents. Agencies may include school psychologist, nurses, administrators, community-based psychologists, social service agencies, or treatment facilities.
• Pursue professional growth by attending staff development programs and relevant workshops and conference as required by the grant.
• Maintain student record and protest their confidentiality.
• Assist students in the transition from elementary to middle school
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in guidance and counseling, social work, school psychology, or a comparable program providing required knowledge of the principles of child development, counseling, guidance programs, and implementation of student support services.
• State certification as a Guidance Counselor, Social Worker, School Psychologist, or equivalent.
• K-12 teaching experience a plus.
• Strong organizational skills needed to develop and implement programs in collaboration with other school personnel, and to ensure compliance with all grant related requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of school-related technology tools and assistive/adaptive technology.
• Good interpersonal communications skills; must be flexible, able to work under pressure and stay on task.