What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Counselor position at Bucks County Intermediate Unit?
The mission of Bucks County Intermediate Unit, School Counseling program is to provide a
comprehensive, developmental counseling program addressing the academic development,
college and career readiness, and social/emotional development of all students. School
Counselors are professional school advocates who provide support to maximize student
potential and academic achievement with both prevention programming and responsive
supports. School Counselors educate and counsel in a classroom, group, and individual
setting. In partnership with educators, parents/guardians, and stakeholders, School
Counselors deliver a system of supports in alignment with the ASCA (American School
Counseling Association) Mindsets and Beliefs to ensure all students have access to and are
prepared with the knowledge and skills to contribute at the highest level as productive
members of society.
Essential Functions:
- Direct Counseling services (Individual, Group, and Classroom lessons focusing on academics, career readiness skills, and personal/social skills)
- Prevention programs, supports, and lessons (SWPBIS, Social skills, Character, Education, bullying, red ribbon, healthy habits, career awareness, internet/real world safety, peer mentoring, suicide prevention/safe to say)
- Responsive services (risk inquiries, behavioral/crisis response, mandated reporting, conflict resolution, grief response, bus/recess concerns)
- Collaboration and Leadership with stakeholders (teachers, parents, principals/supervisors, behavior analysts, social workers, school psychologist, related service providers, outside mental health service providers, school districts)
- Advocacy (students, families, school wide & classroom safety/climate & culture/supports)
- Report writing/notes (IEP, RR, goals, session notes)
- Data collection and assessment (progress monitoring, ITT, school counseling program needs & effectiveness)
- Lesson planning/Monthly Calendars
- Maintain certifications, licensure & professional association memberships (ASCA, ACA, BIA, LPC, NCC, CBIS)
- Ambassadors for Bucks IU (establishing relationships with school districts, sharing services available to districts and their student/families/staff)
Other Duties: This position description does not express nor does it imply that the above duties are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent(s) in this position. Additional duties may be assigned by the Administrator of the department, as needed, to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.
Supervisory Responsibility: No direct supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, 193-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hours are dependent on the needs of the districts. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
Travel: As required
Education and Experience:
Level of Degree:
Master’s Degree from college or university in School Counseling
PA Certification in School Counselor K-6 and 7-12 levels
PA License as Professional Counselor or as a National Certified Counselor preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to work with diverse learners.
Implement IEP's with fidelity.
Follow classroom schedule.
Direct support staff.
Ability to communicate effectively across a variety of team members including parents.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable): Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.
EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer: The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.
