School Counselor- Southport High School (9-12)

School Counselor at Southport High School (9 – 12)
 
Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Principal and Director of Guidance, to provide students, parents, administrators, and other teaching staff with information on career and or educational opportunities; administer and interpret career assessment tools; and assist students in developing educational and occupational goals and plans.


Primary Functions:
Develop, manage, and deliver a comprehensive school counseling program.

1. Provide educational, career, and student assistance services.
2. Advocate for systemic change, reducing barriers to learning and increasing success for all students; through collaboration with teachers, students, parents, and staff.

Major Job Responsibilities:
Delivery of a Comprehensive School Counseling Program that is in alignment with the school vision and mission and is derived from a foundation of beliefs that serve as the guiding principles for the design and management of the program based on state and national standards.

1. Data-Based Accountability

• Annually revise (as needed) the school counseling program as a result of an analysis of evaluation data in the following areas:
  • Program design, implementation, and evaluation
  • Student growth
  • Standards and competency attainment
  • Gain/loss in targeted student achievement-related data fields (i.e. grades, local & state assessments, etc.)
  • Gain/loss in targeted student choice-related data fields (i.e. enrollment patterns, homework completion, attendance, etc.)
  • Gain/loss for individual students overcoming personal/social problems that interfere with learning

2. Student Guidance (Education and Career Services)

• Design, deliver, evaluate, and revise a curriculum meeting the Indiana Student Standards for Guidance including classroom, small group, and individual lessons covering:
  • Academic development (i.e. academic planning; postsecondary awareness and readiness)
  • Career development (i.e. career awareness and readiness)
  • Citizenship development (i.e. personal and social skills needed to be successful in a global society)

3. Student Counseling (Student Assistance Services)

• Identify counseling needs related to personal and social development
• Provide student assistance services, including individual and group counseling, crisis counseling and referrals, for students with personal or social concerns that interfere with learning
• Provide consultation to administrators, teachers, parents, and community agencies
• Coordinate student assistance activities delivered by school counselors or others including teachers, peer and community helpers, and community mental health agencies

4. Student Advocacy

• Participate in and/or facilitate school improvement initiatives
• Promote high achievement and advocate for a supportive learning environment for all students; promote an understanding of various ethnic or cultural groups; and provide assistance for teachers who are striving to help all students learn.
• Identify students who may not be achieving their potential due to the learning environment & provide necessary interventions
• Collaborate with school and community partners to provide input and insight regarding the academic, personal/social and behavioral progress of students

5. Program Management

• Design an efficient system of activities that support the guidance, counseling, and advocacy initiatives including the development of program foundations, activity preparation, school and community networking, professional development activities, record keeping related to school counseling, and school counseling evaluation activities
• Promote school counseling program services to students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members
• Seek resources (time, funding, and personnel) to support the school counseling program

6. Professionalism

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and adhere to local, state, and federal policies, regulations, and laws pertaining to school counseling (i.e. privileged communication)
• Adhere to the American School Counselor Association Ethical Standards
• Be knowledgeable of the Indiana Program Standards for School Counseling
• Promote the mastery of the Indiana Student Standards for Guidance
• Demonstrate continuous personal growth and professional development

7. Non-Program Related Duties

• Administer/Coordinate some testing for students (i.e. AP, PSAT, SAT, ACT, ASVAB, etc.)
• Complete enrollments (i.e. record collection, etc.)
• Assume all duties assigned by the Director of School Counseling or Principal 

Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Pay Rates
PEA certified position

Work Schedule
Standard teacher work schedule as set forth in the Teacher's Contract.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of pre/post high school program eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of college/university admissions processes, scholarship programs and other educational opportunities.
• Knowledge of current developments in business and industry regarding career opportunities and employment.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards 

Seldom = Less than 25% Occasional = 26 to 50% Often = 51 to 75% Very Frequent = Greater than 75%
 

Qualifications:

• Hold a current Master's Degree in School Counseling
• Meet the Indiana licensing requirements for School Counselor as defined by the Indiana Professional Standards Board
• School Counseling Experience preferred

Education

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

• School Counseling experience preferred.

FLSA Status:       Exempt