4K-12 School Counselor

REPORTS TO: 4K-12 Principal

POSITION OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive guidance and counseling program

designed to address the social, emotional, educational and occupational needs of all students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. One of the following is required:

a. Master’s Degree in Guidance & Counseling with School Counselor License (SCL)

b. School Counseling Endorsement on a Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate (NT)

c. Preliminary Employment Authorization to work as a School Counselor (PEASC) or Temporary

School Counselor Authorization (TSCA) with the expectation that the SCL or NT will be attained

promptly.

2. Two years of successful School Counseling experience preferred

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Ability to read, interpret, and explain materials from professional journals and books, including school

code and legal documents, and psychological reports/tests/assessments

2. Ability to interpret and analyze data and make effective presentations

3. Ability to interact effectively with a variety of audiences and individuals

4. Ability to effectively utilize Restorative Practices to mediate student discipline issues

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES/SPECIFIC JOB RELATED TASKS:

Guide and counsel individuals and groups of students through the development of

educational and career plans, which may include the following duties:

Academic Development-

● Advising students on credits required to successfully complete the Michigan Merit Curriculum.

● Monitoring students’ overall academic performance and collaborating with staff members to develop

necessary academic supports for students.

● Consultation with individual students/parents to discuss academic gaps and research potential

supports or interventions.

● Delivering core curriculum lessons aligned to the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors that equip students with

the necessary test taking, time management, and/or organization tools to be successful.

● Advising students on dual enrollment opportunities and/or early/middle college opportunities.

Career Development-

● Through classroom, small group, and individual student planning, assisting students in developing a

post-secondary plan, also known as an Educational Development Plan, that is required for all students

starting in seventh grade.

● Providing resources to students to engage in career exploration opportunities.

● Delivering career assessments and core curriculum lessons aligned to the ASCA Mindsets and

Behaviors that assist students in identifying personal characteristics that lead to potential career

opportunities.

● Assisting students in post-secondary research to identify training/educational opportunities that lead

to the necessary skills/certifications/licensure to pursue a career.

● Organizing and delivering college fairs, facilitating college representative visits, military exploration

opportunities, and financial aid workshops/assistance for students and parents.

● Advising students on potential Career and Technical Education opportunities that provide students

with career exploration, work-based learning experiences, and opportunities to earn certifications and

credentials leading to entry level employment.

Consult with and serve as a resource for students, staff and parents regarding

developmental needs of students, which may include the following duties:

Social/Emotional Development-

● Providing responsive services to meet the needs of students, including individual, group and crisis

response counseling support for students and staff.

● Assisting students in developing positive relationships with peers and adults.

● Assisting students who may be experiencing difficult life circumstances.

● Connecting students and families with community resources through referrals.

● Assisting students in developing healthy coping strategies for successful school and life transitions.

● Assisting students in developing interpersonal communication skills.

● Delivering core curriculum lessons aligned to the ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors that equip students to

become positive members of their school and community.

Advocacy and Leadership-

● Advocating for school counseling programs and positive learning environments that focus on student

learning and achievement by collaborating and connecting with teachers, administrators, staff, parents,

and the community.

● Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

● Leading professional development activities for other educators.

● Providing leadership by articulating ways in which school counseling contributes to student

achievement.

Program Management and Administration

● Using a data driven approach to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate school counseling programs,

resources, and services in support of the mission of the school counseling program within the school

according to ASCA’s Ethical Standards for School Counselors and School Counselor Competencies to

facilitate their ongoing professional development to continuously improve program management and

administration.

● Advocating for the appropriate supervision and evaluation of school counselors using school counselor

specific evaluation tools, a counselor/principal management agreement to outline specific goals and

responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit and talk or hear. The

employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move

up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The

employee is continuously interacting with the public, staff and students. The employee frequently must meet

multiple demands from several people. The employee is regularly required to sit and stand. The employee is

required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and

hear. Occasionally the employee must use hand/grip strength to operate office equipment. Ability to withstand long

term use of video display terminals is required.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The

employee is required to regularly interact with the students, staff and the public.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 185 days

SALARY RANGE: Determined based on experience and qualifications according to contract

START DATE: August 2019

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of

the District procedures on teacher evaluation following criteria specific to school counselor duties and

requirements.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education

Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disability Act

of 1990, and the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1977, it is the policy of the Ironwood School District that no person shall, on the basis of

race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, age, disability, height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in,

be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination during any program, activity, service or in employment. For information,

contact: Mr. Travis S. Powell, Superintendent, Ironwood Area Schools, 650 E. Ayer Street, Ironwood, MI 49938 1-906-932-0200.