Job Title:        Counselor                                            Dept./School: High School

Reports To:    Principal                                              Date Revised: March 1, 2007

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Primary Purpose:

Provide leadership to enable all students to utilize their educational opportunities to the fullest by eliminating, as far as possible, those problems that prevent or interfere with the student’s learning. 

Qualifications:

Education/Certification: 

Master’s degree in counseling or at least thirty (30) master’s level hours which include graduate

     hours in counseling

Valid Texas School Counselor’s Certificate or a Texas Special Assignment (Counselor) Permit

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, and career development

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Experience:

Three years teaching experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Guidance

Assist in planning and developing the school’s education, guidance, and counseling program in relation to the needs of the students being served.

Assist in placement for students in courses and special programs and update student’s schedules to reflect such placement.

Assist students in developing individual four-year high school plans.

Utilize computers in job-related activities.

Interpret results of tests to students, parents, and professional personnel.

Conduct registration conferences with parents and students new to the district for deciding placement, easing transition, and interpreting of district policies.

Assist in the preparation of written reports or surveys that are required by the local school system and/or the Texas Education Agency.

Conduct group guidance programs including orientation, educational, vocational, and career planning.

Consultation

Counsel and serve as resource person for parents on problems affecting the orderly educational, physical, emotional and social growth of the student.

Provide crisis counseling and/or consultant services.

Conference with students, teachers, and parents regarding failing grades and assist in finding solutions.

Explain the role of counselor to appropriate agencies, the community, and to school staff members.

Program Management

Assist in classroom and/or behavioral management planning with parents and school personnel.

Plan, conduct and/or assist with staff development programs for individual school and district-wide personnel when appropriate.

Work closely with the school psychologist, homebound teachers, diagnostician, attendance officer, youth service specialist and all ancillary personnel to help student with special problems.

Work cooperatively with and coordinate the use of community referral sources in the prevention and/or intervention of pregnancy, drug and child abuse, school dropouts, runaways, etc.

Attend meetings:  counselor, administrative, departmental, faculty.

Conduct pre-registration of courses for the following year at each grade level with the registrar.

Disseminate information to students concerning summer school, correspondence, and other alternative means of education.

Assessment

Plan and coordinate special programs for PSAT, SAT, and ACT. 

Provide up-to-date information on reference guides and colleges and maintain an appropriate college library and career information file.

Assist students with the application process for scholarships, college, and alternative post high school training, including letters of recommendation.

Provide information and application for student financial aide in college.

Work with college admissions counselors in easing the transition from high school to college.

Participate in Admissions, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings when appropriate. 

Other

Carry out other guidance responsibilities as assigned by the Principal.

Maintain confidentiality of all information.

Working Conditions: 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress.  Occasional district-wide travel may be required. 

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The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.