Guidance counselor

Position Purpose:
Under the general supervision of school principal, to provide a comprehensive counseling program to students, including information on career and or educational opportunities.  Guidance counselors provide activities and services designed to meet the needs of students, interpret academic/career assessment instruments, and assist students in developing educational and occupational goals and plans.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:  The following description is illustrative of the tasks and responsibilities associated with this position.  It is not meant to be an inclusive list of every task or responsibility.

• Assists students in evaluating students' aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data and works with students in developing education and occupation plans consistent with such evaluation.
• Counsels students on personal, social, and educational problems, referring them to the appropriate staff member and/or social agency, when necessary.
• Assists students in making course and subject selections, as well as with evaluating career interests and choices.
• Assists in the scheduling of classes.
• Obtains and disseminates information regarding occupational opportunities to students and to classes studying occupations.
• Assists students with admissions, scholarship and identifying employment opportunities.
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with guidance services.
• Researches educational and career opportunities, and coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists, and business and community organizations for the purpose of providing information, and making recommendations.
• Assists with the registration and orientation students who are new to the school regarding procedures and educational opportunities.
• Assists with the school district's dropout prevention efforts.
• Plans and coordinates field trips to institutions of higher learning, businesses and other organizations related to guidance responsibilities.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Maintain a regular and predictable attendance history while employed by the district.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:

• Uses standard school and office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copy and fax machines, and telephones.

Travel Requirements:

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of pre and post high school program eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of college/university admissions processes, scholarship programs and other educational opportunities.
• Knowledge of current developments in business and industry regarding career opportunities and employment.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Works in standard school building environment.
• For a complete list of the physical and mental demands needed to perform the essential functions for this position, please see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements.

Qualification Profile:

• Certification:  Nebraska teaching certificate with an endorsement in 7-12 or K-12 counseling.
• Education: 
• Bachelors degree in education from an accredited college or university.
• Masters degree in school counseling or mental health counseling from an accredited college or university (preferred).
• Experience:  Successful prior experience as a secondary guidance counselor (preferred).

FLSA Status:  Exempt