School Counselor
North Gem School District •Southeast / Pocatello •School/Guidance Counselor •Secondary •Part Time •Posted 1Y ago
About this job
QUALIFICATIONS
Holds a Pupil Personnel Services Certificate with a Counselor Endorsement (K-12)
Vocational counseling endorsement preferred
Minimum experience as determined by the Board
Knowledge of computerized master schedule development
Broad knowledge of theories of individual and group guidance techniques, secondary school guidance program design, and career educational information and placement
Knowledge of state and federal testing procedures and requirements
Strong background in the use of technology
Relates extremely well to students
Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community groups and organizations
Able to work under pressure and deadlines
Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and leadership skills
Maintain confidentiality of staff and students
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY TO
Director of Special Services and Principal
JOB SUMMARY
To help students overcome problems that impede learning and to assist them in making educational, occupational, and life plans. The counselor will guide, listen, and lend support to students who will need services beyond the scope of the regular classroom.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Assistance to Students
Assist students with education planning, course selection, and adding and dropping courses
Develop individual four (4) year plans with 8th graders and students newly enrolling, and assist in monitoring and managing these plans
Register students new to the school, provide orientation and information relative to school policies and procedures, schedules, curriculum and extracurricular opportunities
Interpret grades and test scores for parents and students, as well as permanent record information such as GPA, credit status, class rank, and honors
Assist when requested with follow-up on students that are below grade level/failing with weekly progress reports
Maintain a close relationship with the child study team following directives and recommendations as needed
Assist in the resolution of school-related problems
Provide responsive services including consultation, personal counseling, crisis counseling, and referral
Arrange for summer work and/or enrollment in summer school programs to make up noted deficiencies
Provide for a smooth transition between middle/junior high and high school, which may include orientation programs for students and parents
Provide a guidance curriculum consisting of structured developmental experiences presented systematically through classroom and group activities for all students
Assist with teacher/student/parent conferences
Transition to College and Career
Assist students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the use of teacher comments, interpretation of individual standardized test scores, and other pertinent data
Provide career development materials and activities (classroom and individual) and follow-up
Work closely with and involve parents in students' career planning
Provide counseling for students that will assist them to develop increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity
Provide information and prepare recommendations to colleges for admissions and scholarships, as well as to potential employers and other agencies
Help students with scholarship information and with application procedures including preparing written recommendations
Hold a financial aid seminar for parents and students
Notify students of upcoming opportunities to meet with college recruiters, job fairs, and outside career counselors
Assist students with applications to post-secondary institutions, meeting with recruiters, and planning campus visits
Provide timely notice and information to students and parents of opportunities to take SAT, ACT, and AP exams
Gather information on colleges and careers and keep this information accessible to students and parents in an organized arrangement
Work to prevent students from dropping out of school, and assist those that do in finding alternative educational programs and/or employment
Office Management
Maintain a professional office environment
Provide interim assistance to students or parents with urgent needs
Maintain student records and ensure their confidentiality
Consult with teachers and other staff regularly to provide information and support to staff and to receive feedback on emerging needs of students
Deal with confusion and emergencies in a friendly, supportive, and calm manner
Assist agitated or confused students in re-composing themselves during situations where the student has a problem or personal setback
Screen and coordinate new student records
Help build the master schedule and decide what courses are going to be taught at each grade level
Assist the Building Principal in maintaining a course description booklet with Classroom Teacher input
Program Evaluation
Assist in the evaluation of current curriculum offerings and in the planning, selection, and implementation of new course offerings
Participate in follow-up studies of former students for the purpose of improving services and evaluating the effectiveness of the educational program being offered by the school
Use the internet to gather current information about colleges and career programs
Compare on-line and published information with first-hand accounts from returning graduates in order to gain a full, current picture of the situation
Share research and findings with colleagues and students in order to improve counseling services
Research, develop, and write proposals to enhance the guidance curriculum
Evaluate the effectiveness of the comprehensive counseling program
Community Outreach
Serve as a resource person to local community organizations
Promote and provide assistance to community organizations that provide scholarships
Network and consult with local businesses, industries, and social service agencies on a regular basis
Provide information to the community regarding guidance services, GED programs, etc.
Other
Supervise the district’s testing program and interpretation of test scores, and attend state sponsored district test coordinator meetings
Work closely with the school in interpreting the school’s philosophy and objectives to students and parents
Participate in building meetings such as special education meetings and class meetings
Assist in arranging education services for hospitalized or homebound student in conjunction with the special services staff
Assist with teacher/student and teacher/parent conflicts
Provide letters to senior parents informing them of student academic status, including credit checks, reviews, and graduation status
Keep immediate supervisor informed of activities and any issues that may arise
Assume responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development by such efforts as attendance at professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses, and by reading professional journals and other publications
Adhere to The Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Profession adopted by the Professional Standards Commission and the State Board of Education
Seek assistance should emergencies arise
Represent the school district in a positive manner
Know and follow school district policy and chain of command
Perform other duties as assigned
EVALUATION
Performance of this position will be evaluated annually by the Director of Special Services and/or the Principal in conformance with district policy and IDAPA 08.02.02.120.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
By contract as determined by the Board of Trustees in accordance with federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
North Gem School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.