School Counselor

Primary Purpose:

• The school counselor will work collaboratively to provide a comprehensive counseling program for all students. This individual will partner with teachers staff administrators and parents to enhance students social emotional and academic success. The school counselor will demonstrate flexibility and compassion and be able to work to support all divisions particularly the Middle School. The school counselor will act as an advocate for all students and adhere to ethical and legal professional standards.

Representative Responsibilities of this Position:

1. Advance the missionvisionand values of Mounds Park Academy.

1. Be present where needed ready to work as needed to meet responsibilities.

1. Providean example of punctuality and attendance for all meetings in-services parent-teacher conferences open houses etc.

1. Supervise andmaintaininformal contact with students and staff members in the commons hallways classroomsetc.

1. Attendstudentco-curricular events and accept a fair share of chaperone duties as requested or needed.

1. Ensure the safety of students and be prepared to respond to or manage a crisis (e.g. fire alarm building evacuation or lock-down etc.)

1. Foster the personal growth educational developmentand emotional well-being ofstudents andencourage maximum growth and development.

1. Implement orassistin implementing a safe school climate that results in academic and personal/social success forstudents.

1. Provideone-to-oneandgroupcounselingas neededto students who need support in areas such asanxietystress management self-harm eating disorderssocial skills grief/healing transition and anger management.

1. Collaborate on the organization and administration ofmental health screenersas needed.

1. Assistin implementing an on-site crisis intervention/management plan.

1. Consultand collaborateeffectively with parents/guardians teachersadministratorsand other educational/community resourcesregardingstudents with identified concerns and needs.

1. Helpmonitorstudent academic performancesocial and emotionalbehavior andassistwithappropriate interventions.

1. Providein-service education to other school personnel to enhance their ability to promote healthy functioning and respond appropriately to student difficulties.

1. Work collaboratively with the Student Servicesdepartmentand serveon various committees.

1. Serve as a community expert for emotional health related topics within seminar and health classes

1. Skills and Knowledge for this position.

1. Understanding ofand commitment to the mission and values of Mounds Park Academy.

1. Strong knowledge of school counseling services.

1. Excellent skills in oral and written communications.

1. Ability to work with and get along well with others.

1. Ability to balance multiple tasks and projects and handle time deadlines.

1. Be an active positive and contributing member of Mounds Park Academy.

1. Display high integrity at all times and serve as a role model for students.

1. Communicate respectfully and effectively following theCivilDiscourse Policy with parents students teachers staff administration visitors and volunteers.

1. Support andfacilitatethe initiatives of the MPA strategic plan and positively contribute to school-wide committee work as needed.

1. Support colleagues anddemonstrateleadership with peers.

1. Understand and fulfill all aspects of employee handbook.

1. Maintainappropriate boundarieswith students.

1. Take part in professional development days.

1. Attend evening and weekend activities including but not limited to open houses curriculum nights and all back-to-school events.

1. Ability to handlemaintain anddemonstratebusiness maturity with extremely confidential and sensitive information.

1. Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as requested by theHead of Schoolor asdeemednecessary for safe and efficient operation of the schoolin order tofulfill the mission of Mounds Park Academy.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

It is essential that the person serving as the School Counselor must be able to balance multiple projects concurrently and be able to continuously re-prioritize their focus. There are times when the demands of one aspect of the job take priority over other expected duties so flexibility and vision are essential. As this job helps coordinate many areas of the US program the person in this position must be able to work independently with little oversight while also being able to engage collaboratively with a very wide cross section of the MPA community. Additionally the person must have the ability to promptly produce clear and effective communication in all forms and to make decisions quickly within the mission and framework of the school. Physically this position has a range of demands which may include sitting for longer periods of time while working on projects or standing for classroom teaching responsibilities relating to all areas of student support.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The School Counselor will work primarily in a temperature regulated environment but there may be times when it is expected to be outside during times of heat and/or cold. For example the expectation to be able to be outside is derived from the coordination or possible chaperoning of school sponsored events is part of the position.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with students of diverse backgrounds
• Experience with mental health counseling
• Masters Degree in School Counselingor related field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years experience working with students in an independent school setting
• Current Counseling license or ability to obtain
• K-12 experience