Counselor

JOB SUMMARY

The school Counselor promotes student success provides preventive services and responds to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive developmental school counseling program that addresses academic personal and social development of PK-8^th grade students.

This position is required to convey the Churchs message and to assist in carrying out the Churchs mission. This position is required to uphold the standards of the Catholic Church in his/her day-to day work and personal life. All Parish personnel are expected to be persons of integrity and must conduct themselves in an honest and open way free from deception or corruption and in a manner consistent with the discipline and teachings of the Catholic Church. Parish personnel are expected to

follow rules of conduct that will protect the interests and safety of all including the standards and policies set forth in the Archdiocesan Code of Conduct and other Archdiocesan and Parish Policies and Guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in school counseling or related field (social work clinical counseling)
• Ability to cooperate with staff parents/guardians administration and community resource people
• Knowledge of and ability to use English correctly and appropriately
• Computer skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and help others
• Ability to develop rapport with students
• Ability to analyze and offer problem-solving techniques
• Ability to empathize and understand students concerns

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working as a school counselor
• Self-motivation and self-direction
• Ability to demonstrate positive attitude team cooperation and positive work performance for the purpose of maintaining the instructional process and well-being of the school
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to communicate with staff students parents and community in a professional manner concerning the school program and adherence to confidentiality
• Ability to meet and interact with public and employees with tact courtesy and
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in the interrelation and application of standard practices and pro
• Ability and willingness to work with children of all ages
• General knowledge of the instructional process

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters and handles confidential information and documents with complete
• Follows the schools discipline policy for students
• Maintains an orderly and safe work environment free of hazards
• Acts in a professional manner in demeanor and work habits

• Develops implements evaluates and revises as needed an effective comprehensive school counseling program.
• Facilitates the infusion of counseling curriculum activities into classroom to support the developmental needs of students.
• Facilitates instructional process in collaboration with staff and community resources
• Coordinates ongoing systematic activities and helps individual students.
• Informs students and parents about pertinent test results academic programming behavior intervention strategies and their implication to the overall students academic success
• Responds effectively to immediate students needs and concerns by providing individual and/or group counseling to students.
• Implements a referral process and follow-up process to outside counseling agencies and support agencies.
• Coordinates parent education programs and conducts parent workshops when necessary or requested.
• Collects and reviews evaluative data to ensure a successful counseling program which links the school counseling program to student academic progress.
• Participates in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school by assisting to maintain a safe and organized school climate as directed by administration.
• Teaches students conflict resolution skills.
• Assists students with academic emotional social or behavioral problems.
• Consults with parents/guardians teachers support staff administration and any local agencies which might be of assistance to the students
• Provides in-service to staff to enhance their understanding of all aspects of a students development and its impact on learning and in-service on other pertinent topics as requested or needed.
• Assists students in dealing with a family crisis (separation divorce death unemployment drug abuse neglect and abuse)
• Provides orientation and support for students who are entering middle school.
• Teaches the Lifelines curriculum to middle school students and conducts the parent education meeting.
• Serves as a member of the kindergarten screening team
• Conducts regular classroom sessions with students.
• Provides individual conferences for students experiencing academic difficulty
• Keeps accurate records of all counseling and guidance activities
• Assists in the development of an individualized student plan for students with exceptional educational needs.
• Makes appropriate referrals to community agencies when necessary
• Serves as a consult to parents/guardians staff and administration.
• Serves as a member of the schools crisis management team.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Other duties as assigned by the principal

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and DEMANDS

Not limited to the following:

• Physical ability to perform the above listed essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Walking/ climbing stair
• Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a school environment and duties may be performed outside in inclement weather conditions.

TRAVEL

Travel is required as needed to attend workshops and in-service trainings sponsored by the Archdiocese and others approved by the principal.