Counselor

Primary Purpose

Provide all students equitable access to a quality developmentally appropriate and comprehensive guidance counseling program focused on academic success, personal and social development, and college readiness. These services are provided through the program components of guidance curriculum, responsive services and support services. Delivery of these services may be provided through individual and group activities as well as through classroom and assembly participation.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

Master’s degree from an accredited university

Valid Texas Counselor Certificate

Valid Texas Teacher Certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills

Evidence of leadership skills, especially in the area of diverse populations and at-risk students.

Skills in areas of evaluation of students and interpreting test data, academic and career guidance,

counseling with students and their family members, recognizing symptoms of serious concerns, and

effective communication must be evident.

Knowledge of community referral sources, special school programs, human growth and development,

counseling theories and practices and possible handicapping conditions must be evident.

Knowledge of and willingness to abide by the laws and ethical standards regarding school counselors,

students and their families, and requirements for special programs must be evident.

Ability to listen, effectively communicate with all people in a professional capacity, determine when

referrals to other services are necessary and gather, analyze and organize information and resources.

Ability to read, write reports and use technology effectively.

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior.

Experience

Two years’ classroom teaching experience.

Guidance

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Outline, in writing, a campus developmental guidance curriculum consistent with district’s guidance program plan and tailored to campus needs.
• Assist teachers in the teaching of guidance-related curriculum effectively.
• Guide individuals and groups of students to develop education plans and career awareness.
• Involve students in personalized educational and career awareness.
• Present relevant information accurately and without bias.
  
  

Counseling

• Counsel individual students and small groups with presenting needs and concerns.
• Provide counseling systematically and respond to students individually.
• Use accepted and effective theories and techniques appropriate to school counseling.
  
  

Consultation

• Consult parents, teachers, administrators and other relevant people to enhance their work with students.
• Consult with administrators and teachers regarding the teacher’s areas of responsibility in teaching the developmental guidance curriculum.
• Work with school and community personnel to bring together resources for students.
• Maintain a communication system that effectively collects and disseminates information to other professionals as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with other school professionals and representatives of community resources.
• Provide professional expertise collaboratively.
• Interpret information and ideas effectively.
• Serve as an advocate for students.
• Use an effective referral process to assist students and others to use special programs and services.
  
  

Program Management

• Plan school guidance and counseling programs to ensure that they meet identified needs, priorities and program objectives.
• Implement a comprehensive and balanced program.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the guidance program and individual activities and make changes based on findings.
• Educate the school staff, parents and community about the guidance program through a public information program.
• Compile, maintain and file all required physical and computerized reports, records and other documents to include cumulative folders.
  
  

Administration

• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule and board policy in guidance and counseling area.
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, students and parents.
  
  

Professional

• Adhere to ethical and legal standards (state and local) and model behavior that is professional and responsible.
• Participate in professional development to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Keep abreast of current and innovative procedures and practices in the fields of guidance and counseling and in education.
• Select counselor interventions appropriate to students’ issues and circumstances.
• Create a school climate in which confidence, understanding and respect result in a helping relationship.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with other school professionals, parents, and other school counselors.
  
  

Other

• Participate in staff development, faculty meetings, and special events as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality in the conduct of district business.
• Maintain punctuality in all areas.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Serve as a positive role model for all students and staff.
• All other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise assigned counseling aide(s) and clerical employee(s)

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures and data. Moderate lifting and carrying of student records. Use of computers and related technology. High pressure, fast pace, multiple deadlines. Occasional district-wide travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours.