MS Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

Title: School Counselor

Department: MS School for the Blind

Reports to (Title): Principal

Major Functions:

The Counselor shall promote and enhance the learning process through continuously assessing student needs, identifying situations that may be hindering student success, and advocating for support and assistance in effectively dealing with those situations. The counselor, through a comprehensive guidance and counseling program, shall provide support for students in making successful transitions, acquiring attitudes, developing skills, and obtaining knowledge necessary to be productive citizens. He/she will counsel, consult, and coordinate services within a developmental guidance framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Development and Evaluation

• Develop goals, objectives, and activities that are aligned with Senate Bill 2423
• Organize a guidance committee that functions in an advisory capacity
• Develop a guidance calendar
• Secure and make available to students information and material on further educational opportunities, personal growth and development, and occupational/vocational opportunities and trends
• Develop procedures for program evaluations

Counseling and Consultation

• Provide individual and group counseling to students as referred by administrators, teachers, parents/guardians, and other professional staff.
• Consult with families, teachers, administrators, and other appropriate individuals regarding services and programs available to/for students
• Accrue a list of contact personnel in agencies, programs, and services external to the school setting for collaboration and referral
• Adhere to all guidelines set forth by Senate Bill 2423

Student Appraisal

• Assist with disseminating assessment results to all stakeholders
• Participate in IEP meetings as required or deemed appropriate
• Participate in parent conferences as required or deemed appropriate
• Assist with the standardized testing program as deemed appropriate by the District Testing Coordinator

Academic Advisement

• Assist with registering and orienting new students in accordance with District Policy and MSIS requirements
• Consult with administrators in the planning of course offerings that meet the needs and interests of students
• Assist with withdrawing students according to District Policy and MSIS requirements
• Provide students with information on school district policies regarding counseling services, student activities, and grade-level testing programs

Referrals and Follow-up

• Receive and act upon referrals from administrators, teachers, families, agencies, and other professional staff
• Assist families in effective use of community and school resources

Professional Responsibilities and Development

• Organize office for effective use and prepares/submits reports, records, lists, and other paperwork accurately and timely
• Keep informed of developments within the profession by attending workshops and conferences as requested by administration and the State Department of Education
• Participate in approved staff development sessions related to guidance/counseling
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of all school records
• Adhere to district board policies and procedures and administrative directives
• Adhere to the Mississippi Code of Ethics.
• Perform such other tasks and assume such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the supervisor or superintendent
• Be consistently responsible-maintaining regular punctual attendance and timely completion of assigned duties, working assigned days, and using sick and personal leave appropriately

Minimum Requirements:

Each Counselor in this School District shall possess the qualifications prescribed by law and by appropriate regulations of the MS Department of Education. A Master’s Degree is required in School/Guidance Counseling (MS Code 37-9-79).

Qualified Candidates must possess a valid state teaching license with endorsement 436.

218 Endorsement preferred

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $41,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person