Guidance Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY: Utilizes test scores grades teacher recommendations student interests and student ability in creating an appropriate academic plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

• Provides support services for students in the areas of developing realistic education and career plans academic programs self-understanding registration course planning school rules and other matters.
• Assesses and counsels students based on observations and test results.
• Provides orientation for students new to school.
• Counsels/guides students and parents in use of test results for education/career planning.
• Serves as group facilitator for Student Assistance Program.
• Consults with teachers to facilitate the infusion of guidance curriculum objectives into the regular curricula.
• Consults with teachers staff and parents regarding the developmental needs of students.
• Provides personal counseling for students families and groups to help them learn greater self-understanding acceptance of responsibility and better decision-making skills.
• Participates in Special Education referral process and assists in referring students/families to appropriate community agencies as needed.
• Responds to crisis situations when appropriate.
• Conducts guidance activities in classroom in conjunction with administration and teachers.
• Proctors EXPLORE PLAN and PSAT.
• Attends orientation at school College Night (if applicable) Honors Night Program evening parent meetings and other parent information meetings.
• Interprets post-high school opportunities and available information regarding career post high school and life style decisions if applicable.
• Administers test and diagnosis results in areas such as achievement memory skills aptitude and preferences.
• Conducts evening conferences for support groups test interpretations with parents and new student orientation activities.
• Manages activities to support the guidance program and other school programs.
• Serves as the facilitator for the 504 Accommodations Plan for assigned students.
• Acts as the liaison between school families and community agencies/resources.

Qualifications: MA degree in counseling and certification required. 3-5 years of experience preferred.

Language Skills:Ability to read analyze and interpret general business periodicals professional journals technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers clients customers and the general public.

Mathematical Skills:Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plan and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions percentages ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability:Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written oral diagram or schedule form.

Other Skills and Abilities:Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students peers and parents; skill with oral and written communication.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. Occasionally the employee will bend or twist at the neck more than the average person while performing the duties of this job; the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 pounds such as boxes of books and AV/VCR carts. The employee is directly responsible for safety well-being or work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.