Guidance Counselor

Position:         Counselor
 
Supervisor:    Principal
 
General Job Description: The Counselor will develop and implement a school guidance program focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and vocational growth of each student.  The counselor will be responsible for meeting the Competencies for New Mexico School Counselors.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. The counselor will support existing programs focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and vocational growth of each student.  Where programs do not exist or are in need of revision, the counselor will work with administration and teachers to develop and implement such programs.
2. The counselor will coordinate activities that support the guidance and counseling program.
3. The counselor will provide information and facilitate guidance activities for students, staff and parents.
4. The counselor wills serve as a consultant to the school and community
5. The counselor will provide individual and group short-term interventions based upon current need.
6. The counselor will uphold the standards of the counseling profession.

 
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Determine guidance priorities and formulate measureable objectives based upon local assessed needs
• Provide regular feedback to school administration on the evaluation of the current guidance program
• Work with other staff members to encourage the inclusion of a student-oriented philosophy in all school activities
• Help to integrate the guidance and counseling program within the total school program
• Communicate with parents and community about services available within the guidance and counseling program
• Establish and maintain contact with school and community resources
• Assist others in their understanding of personal and social development
• Serve as a resource to facilitate groups and presentations on pertinent issues
• Provide prevention strategies that address current issues such as chemical dependency, teenage pregnancy, suicide, dropping out, and various forms of abuse.
• Conduct orientation/training programs for students, parents and staff
• Provide mediation for changes in behavior and conflict resolution

• Support the staff with assistance in developing positive rapport with students to maximize learning potential

• Assist teachers in identifying students who would benefit from counseling and provide feedback on referred students as appropriate
  • Provide information to parents and students to aid in their understanding of educational goals
  • Interpret test results to students, parents and staff
  • Provide resource materials and expertise dealing with issues affecting students, staff and family
  • Provide crisis intervention with a team as appropriate
  • Use appropriate interventions in situations detrimental to the physical, mental, educational and emotional well-being of the individual
  • Provide support to individuals by addressing topics such as interpersonal relations, communication, decision-making, problem solving skills, academic programs, and career, and life planning
  • Make referrals to school and community resources when necessary
  • Participate in the development of policies concerning guidance and counseling
  • Stay informed about developments and innovations within the profession at the local, state and national levels
  • Follow the legal and ethical standards of the counseling profession
  • Supervise extracurricular activities as designated by the principal
  • Determine schedules (Middle and High School)
  • Provide information on colleges, technical programs, military jobs and other programs for graduate planning (Middle and High School)
  • Write recommendations for students for job and education applications (Middle and High School)

• Participate in school teams/committees
  • Support district initiatives
  • Accept other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the principal

 
Qualifications:  A Master’s degree in school Counseling or National Certified Counselor credential issued by the Nation Board for Certified Counselors, A valid New Mexico counselor license, and 3 years experience in public school teaching and/or related counseling experience.   Such alternative to the above qualifications the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.
 
Physical Requirements: Ability to perform the job and access the environment for which you are hired.  The following may be required: Sitting, standing, lifting, moving about the room or school, carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, kneeling, prolonged typing, physical ability to type on a keyboard terminal, and moving light furniture.
 
Equipment/Technology Handled: Must know how to properly operate or be willing to learn to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology.
 
Work Environment: Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality.   Interruptions of work are routine.   Flexibility and patience are required.   Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignment without direct supervision.  After hour work may be required.
 
Terms of Employment: Salary and work calendar established yearly by the district.
Elementary School Counselor is a 185-day contract.
Middle School Counselor is a 200-day contract.
High School Counselor is a 200-day contract.