School Counselor- (6-8)

Secondary Counselor

Reports to: Principal

Pay Grade: Teacher Scale

Length: 11 months (209 days)

Department/School: School Leadership

Date Revised: September 27, 2020

Primary Purpose: The primary responsibility of the school guidance counselor in the Holmes County Consolidated School District is to implement a comprehensive guidance program that supports the developmental process of fulfilling the educational, vocational, psychological, and social needs of students. This guidance program assists students in making informed educational and career decisions. The school guidance counselor provides the knowledge, helps the students develop the character skills and other skills that contribute to effective learning, goal setting, and preparation for the future. Employees work under the general direction of the Building Principal, as well as the Coordinator of Counseling/CCR.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in an applicable field

Must possess a valid Mississippi Teaching Certificate

436 endorsement required

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Consults with staff, administration, and parents regarding the developmental and academic needs of students.

Implements the ASCA Program model.

Guides and counsels students through the development of educational plans, career exploration, and post-secondary options.

Consults and collaborates with teachers and principals regarding methods of helping children with problems and behavior dynamics.

Creates and maintains a 504 Plan for identified students as required.

Assists in development and implementation of IDEA, 504 reports, and services.

Interprets test data to administrators, teachers, parents, and students.

Conducts individual and/or small group therapy counseling sessions to meet the needs of identified students.

Counsels students as directed by requirements of Individualized Educational Plans or 504 Plans.

Responds to requests for information or opinions on specific children or school problems from any level of administration and from community agencies with the appropriate signed consent for release of information.

Works collaboratively with building level administrators and staff to facilitate a functionally effective school.

Coordinates, conducts, and participates in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.

Acts as a liaison between the school and community agencies.

Serves as an advocate for all students.

Participates as an active member of the MTSS and PBIS team with other appropriate staff members.

Submits reports as requested by the Coordinator of Counseling/CCR.

Creates and maintains a Professional Development Plan.

Attends workshops, in-services, and staff meetings scheduled by the Coordinator of Counseling/CCR.

Performs all other duties as assigned by the Coordinator of Counseling/CCR and Building Principal.

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the school district's policy on Evaluation of Personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of best practices in administration, program evaluation and staff supervision.

Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.

Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.

Ability to develop and implement projects.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders

Ability to organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.

Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Other functions of the job include but are not limited to the following

Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.

Encourage parent and community involvement, obtain information for parents when requested, promptly return phone calls and answer emails.

Participate in appropriate professional activities.

Participate in extracurricular activities such as social activities, sporting activities, clubs and student organizations as directed.

Demonstrates ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students in school environment and community.

Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulation.

Maintains an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district/state requirements as well as satisfying personal expectations as a professional.

Attends building and district meetings to promote communication, collaboration, and mutual decision-making among the staff.

Responsible for ensuring that the district's fixed asset procedures are followed.

Serves on committees that enhance instruction, safety, and/or community partnerships.

Attends established school-sponsored activities (e.g. Back-to-School Night) outside the instructional day as required under reasonable terms.

Assists in the fostering and promotion of a positive school climate.

Maintains a professional demeanor during all interactions between colleagues, parents, students and administration.

Performs other duties as requested or assigned.

Working conditions Mental demands/Physical demands/Environmental factors

Maintain emotional control under stress.

Limited travel is required.

Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Be comfortable performing multi-faceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities.

Stand, walk, crouch, and do moderate lifting up to 40 lbs.

Salary & Benefits: This position works 209 days; 11 months (Full time). The district provides a competitive benefit package.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Holmes County Consolidated School District Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.