School Counselor

JOB TITLE: School Counselor

SALARY: According to placement on current salary schedule.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 190 days (elementary, junior high)

192 days (high school)

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the procedures for evaluating licensed staff

REPORTS TO: Principal

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

1. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher learning

2. Master’s Degree in school counseling from an accredited institution of higher learning and an approved program in school counseling; or working toward the degree with a minimum of 18 completed hours

Experience:

1. Three years of teaching experience preferred

2. Field experience and internship in a school setting at the appropriate grade level(s) as required by an approved program in school counseling preferred

Certificates/Licenses:

1. Valid Colorado license with an endorsement in Special Services School Counselor preferred

2. Valid driver’s license

JOB EXPECTATIONS:

1. Demonstrates effective organizational, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills

2. Demonstrates punctuality and good attendance

3. Complies with all safety policies, practices, and procedures, including proper use of equipment

4. Reports all unsafe conditions/activities to supervisor, Human Resources, or Risk Management

5. Demonstrates aptitude and interest for the work to be performed

6. Follows appropriate District policies and procedures

7. Meets deadlines

8. Demonstrates confidentiality as related to job

9. Develops and maintains professional working relations with other District employees

10. Recognizes, understands and practices the ethical standards and guidelines of the American School Counselor Association

11. Understands the professional role of the school counselor in conjunction with the role of other professional and support personnel in the school and District

12. Active involvement in professional organizations and staff and professional development to maintain high levels of knowledge and skill

13. Continual compliance with regulations, rules, or statutes related to Colorado State Board of Education Rules and Regulations, Colorado Department of Education, and Colorado State Law

JOB SKILLS and ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to the unique social, cultural, and economic circumstances of students and their racial/ethnic, gender, age, physical, and learning differences

2. Demonstrates counseling and consultation skills needed to facilitate informed and appropriate action for all students

3. Demonstrates the ability to problem solve and move individuals and groups toward consensus and/or conflict resolution

4. Demonstrates group counseling and communication skills and employs a balanced approach to assisting students, parents, school staff, and community

5. Demonstrates an understanding of the proper administration and uses of tests and test data

6. Demonstrates excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize responsibilities

7. Demonstrates average to above average knowledge of computers and software applications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Designs, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive, developmental school guidance program

2. Responsible for inputting and maintaining student records under the guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as assigned

3. Responsible for electronically scheduling students for classes using the District's student information system as assigned (junior high, high school)

4. Assists students with post graduate plans such as college, school-to-work, scholarships, and military recommendations by utilizing various resources, data, communications, and follow-up

5. Monitors academic progress through use of parent/teacher conferences, progress reports, written documentation, assessment data, summer school, and retention recommendations between students, staff, and parents as assigned

6. Applies knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to the Colorado Children’s Code and American School Counselor Association

7. Assists in the process of identifying and addressing the needs of the exceptional student through 504 reviews, ILP, talented/gifted, ELL, and Special Education IEP documentation

8. Assists students, staff, and parents in addressing the personal, social, and emotional concerns and problems that may impede educational progress

9. Applies skills and knowledge of test administration, scoring, measurement and interpretation of test data to staff, students, parents, and community

10. Assists in the organization and coordination of student review committees and special education staffings, and serves as an active member of these committees to ensure the proper placement appropriate to students’

needs

11. Consults and coordinates efforts with District resources and specialists along with outside agencies and businesses to promote program objectives

12. Assists in creating a master schedule for all classes as assigned by principal or designee (jr. high, high school)

13. Serves as an active member of the school crisis team as assigned

14. Applies knowledge of career assessment and career choice programs 

15. Assists students in the assessment of their individual strengths, weaknesses, and differences as they relate to academic achievement and personal growth

16. Develops and maintains a counseling network within the community and provides resources for use by students and parents

17. Promotes use of counseling and guidance activities and programs by the school community to enhance a positive school climate

18. Assists the administrative team with intake and orientation procedures and programs for all students

19. Assists with student summer school schedules as assigned

20. Assists with recognition of multicultural and ethnic differences using various resources

21. Assists with supervising students as assigned by principal

22. Supervises and evaluates students assigned to counseling center programs (high school)

23. Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with co-workers, and interact with colleagues in a professional manner

24. Incorporates legal rights and due process for children with special needs

25. Demonstrates a positive attitude towards change

26. Performs such other tasks as may, from time to time, be assigned Within this job description, Essential Functions may vary from one assignment to another.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Certain positions within the District may impose additional physical demands. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; reach with hands and arms; taste and smell; and talk and hear. The employee may also need to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to inclement weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally loud.

Reasonable accommodations shall be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions pursuant to applicable law.

This is a temporary administrative guide, subject to change.