Counselor

Mission Statement:

We are travelers on the Aspen Ridge Trailways. Our mission is to think independently,

participate in our integrated world, and achieve individual goals to gain knowledge and

understanding. We will approach challenges confidently and assist others in our community

while learning and growing together on the trail of success.

Vision Statement:

The Founders of the Aspen Ridge Preparatory School envision a community of students,

teachers, parents, and administrators collaborating to create a rigorous, content-rich learning

environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning and gives students a solid knowledge base to

compete in a global society. Students will participate in successful, research-based curricula in

the core content areas, with a focus on technology, international experience, natural environment,

personal development, and enrichment programs. Students will be encouraged to think

independently and question the world around them. Ongoing assessment of the students, both

formally and informally, will take place regularly to ensure individual student goals are attained

by adapting instruction appropriately.

Summary of Position:

The school counselor designs and delivers a school counseling program that improves student

outcomes. They lead, advocate, and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students by

connecting their school counseling program to the school’s academic mission and school

improvement plan. They uphold the ethical and professional standards of education and

counseling and promote the development of the school counseling program.

School counselors are vital to the mental health and development of students, many of whom

experience difficulties at home as well as in the classroom.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

1. Advises and counsels students regarding academic, educational, and short-term social and

emotional problems.

2. Support students to apply interpersonal skills and plan for future learning

3. Consults, facilitates and maintains communication with parents, teachers, administrators,

and pertinent agents on specific student and parent academic and educational matters

including academic modifications and/or accommodations.

4. Help to identify student issues, needs, and challenges; act as a systems change agent to

improve equity

5. Listen to, empathize with, encourage, and help to empower students

6. Act as a resource for adult stakeholders, including staff, administrators, and parents

7. Keep confidential records and follow all HIPPA guidelines

8. Build relationships and trust concerning all stakeholders

9. Follow all mandatory reporting requirements

10. Remain universally accessible and make an effort to know every student

11. Provide individual student planning and responsive services to support students and their

families regarding academic matters.

12. Teach guidance classes and provide guidance counseling to students through planned

activities in small group or classroom settings to convey educational, social, and

important school information; offer workshops/seminars for parents.

13. Provide feedback and recommend appropriate action and solutions to individual student’s

academic and educational needs and abilities.

14. Participate on the Student Success Team/MTSS Team to help identify students who may

need targeted or intensive services

15. Assists students/parents in understanding school policies and procedures

16. Provide brief counseling to address social and emotional concerns and appropriately refer

students to behavioral health specialists

17. Other duties as assigned

Key skills:

1. Listening skills

2. Empathy and understanding

3. A non-judgemental attitude

4. Patience and a calm manner

5. Ability to cope with emotional situations

6. Ability to relate to and adapt communication style to suit a wide range of people

Clear and Effective Communication:

1. Establish and maintain open communication with all staff, administrators, teachers, and

support staff.

2. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, all school staff, students, parents,

and community members.

3. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

4. Ability to communicate well with personnel, parents, students, and outside entities, while

complying with the confidentiality requirements in local, state, and federal policies and

procedures.

5. Perform the duties associated with campus receptionists (answer phones, take messages,

greet visitors/guests, address student needs, and release students as requested).

6. Serve as the “first point of contact” with visitors to campus and the surrounding

community.

Professional Growth and Development:

1. Participate in staff development activities where it is necessary to improve job-related

skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

NA

Equipment Used:

Computer, Aquos boards, document cameras, iPads, and software necessary for daily tasks and

record keeping.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Be able to meet the mental demands

of instructional assignments (i.e., maintain emotional control under stress). Be able to meet the

physical demands of instructional assignments (i.e., frequent standing, stooping, bending,

pulling, and pushing). Be able to maintain an environment conducive to instructing and learning

(i.e., moving media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment).

Education, Training, and Experience:

1. Master’s Degree in Counseling/Guidance, Education, or Social Work

2. Minimum of 1 year of school counseling or teaching experience

3. Understanding and familiarity with computer applications and word-processing functions

Special Knowledge/Skills:

1. Knowledge of software applications used in day-to-day operations

2. Ability to follow the direction given by the Principal and Head of School

3. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, policy, expectation documents, staff

agreements, and evaluation rubric documents. Ability to speak effectively before groups of

students, parents, staff, teachers, and school administrators.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to

perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be

made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment:

The work environment at Aspen Ridge Preparatory School described in this document represents

the essential functions of this job. The hours of this position may be long when specific needs

arise, and some extended days and schedules will be necessary. Aspen Ridge Preparatory School

is a dynamic environment with an ever-developing educational environment and growing

culture. Adaptability to change is essential.