Counselor - High School - Special Projects - 9th -12th

FTE: .4
Calendar: 207

PURPOSE
The high school counselor reports to the Building Principal and District Counseling coordinator and will provide a programs and services for students, parents, teachers, and administrators in order to help each student reach his/her academic, social, and emotional potentials, and will assist students and parents with development of post-high school education and career plans to meet the goals defined by students.
 
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and maintain a written plan for effective delivery of the school counseling program based on the Idaho Comprehensive School Counseling Program using current site data and incorporating the needs of the building.  The principle function of the high school counselor is to provide personal, social and educational guidance.  The counselor develops and implements activities which promote positive personal and social development.  The counselor provides individual counseling services, referral information and crisis intervention services to students, parents, and staff.
The counselor coordinates services, delivery of enrollment information to facilitate course selection; counseling and directing students in individual placement decisions; providing information regarding available curriculum opportunities; developing educational long range plans; coordinating testing where appropriate; meeting with individual students concerning changes in course selection and/or class schedules.
The counselor provides information on State of Idaho and district graduation requirements progress to students and parents to familiarize them with services and resources to support students in monitoring their successful progress towards graduation.
 
COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of:

• Idaho School Counselor Association Comprehensive Model and the A.S.C.A. National Model;
• Counseling theories, techniques, professional and ethical standards with specific emphasis in the area of confidentiality;
• Understanding the role of the school counselor and the school counseling program in the school crisis plan;
• Instructional methods and training techniques including curriculum design principles, learning theory, group and individual teaching techniques, design of individual development plans and test design principles;
• Human behavior, performance and mental processes and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders;
• Group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences and cultures;
• Assessments and interpretation techniques for educational planning;
• Leadership, collaboration, conflict resolution, planning and organization techniques and practices.

Ability to:

• Provide effective counseling services, including grief and bereavement counseling;
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a positive professional attitude;
• Utilize active listening skills, identify the nature of a problem identify feelings and guide individuals towards a solution;
• Identify feelings, symptoms of stress, abuse, addiction, depression and appropriate coping skills;
• Utilize multiple approaches when learning or teaching new things;
• Teach or guide others to approach things differently;
• Maintain important records efficiently and accurately and to prepare clear and concise reports;
• Maintain confidentiality of information processed or prepared;
• Operate standard office equipment including a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other District employees, supervisory personnel, students, parents and referral sources;
• Handle interruptions, prioritize work, and return to and complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Perform time management and scheduling functions, meeting deadlines, and setting project priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Pupil Personnel Services Certification, K-12 Counselor;
• Vocational counseling experience preferred;
• Teaching experience preferred.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal conversation and to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person;
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work and assessments, prepare and review documents, and organize documents and materials;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform repetitive hand/wrist/arm motions and to operate a computer and office equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and balance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office environment, lifting or moving objects that weigh up to 20 lbs.;
• Job tasks require, with or without reasonable accommodation, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping;
• Must have a valid Idaho Driver's license and a vehicle to drive and/or must provide own transportation for job related activities.

EVALUATION
Yearly by supervisor.
 
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
To be determined by calendar year.

• As per Idaho Code 65-5-1/65-503: "Eligible veterans are provided advantages in public employment in Idaho…"