GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

The Utica City School District’s mission is to ensure that all students succeed and are well-rounded, with knowledge, skills, and character to be productive members of society.

The district’s vision is that students can reach their goals and find academic success through a variety of pathways and with different levels of support. 

About the Utica City School District:

The Utica City School District serves a community of approximately 64,500 city residents in an urban and multi- cultural environment with a current enrollment of roughly 9,644 students in its 13 schools __ Proctor High School, Donovan Middle School, JFK Middle School and 10 elementary schools. The District’s greatest asset is its diversity, with more than 50 languages spoken and 16% of students being English language learners. 

Elementary -  The District’s elementary schools integrate a vibrant curriculum across all grade levels and subject areas, aligning with the New York State Learning Standards. The District is also investing in the realignment of math goals, instruction and curriculum to focus on research-based best practices in mathematics that are proven to increase student performance outcomes. In all subject areas, there is an understanding that developing foundational skills will support students in bridging gaps in learning. Students are provided with a well-rounded curriculum focused on fostering academic and social/emotional competencies that will carry them through their academic career.

Middle School -  The focus at the District’s middle schools is to ensure that students are provided with equitable opportunities to successfully transition from elementary to high school. Both middle schools offer opportunities for students to succeed at every learning level, with dedicated classes for English Language Learners and students with disabilities, as well as honors/advanced studies. The Family and Career Sciences and Technology programs have incorporated science, technology, engineering and math topics into each curriculum to help prepare students for the Career and Technical Education opportunities available at the high school.

High School - Proctor High School provides numerous avenues for students to achieve the District’s vision. This is accomplished through supportive and adaptive special education and English language learner programming, a robust honors and Advanced Placement curriculum, and partnerships with post-secondary institutions including Mohawk Valley Community College and Syracuse University’s Project Advance. The District most recently embarked upon a groundbreaking initiative working with community and business partners to create innovative Career and Technical Education programming for its high school students. Proctor’s Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC), music, art and drama programs, along with numerous extracurricular activities and athletics, offer additional avenues to showcase students’ talents and interests and support them throughout their school experience.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Aids students in course and subject selection; 

Obtains and disseminates occupational information to students and to classes 

studying occupations;

Assists students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the 

interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and works with students in evolving education and occupation plans in terms of such evaluation; 

Works to.discover and develop special abilities of students;

Works to resolve students' educational handicaps; 

Registers students new to the school and orients them to school procedures 

and the school's varied opportunities for learning;

Works to prevent students from dropping out of school; 

Helps students evaluate career interests and choices;

Assists supervisor(s) with class scheduling. 

Remains readily available to students so as to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity. 

Works with students on an individual basis in the solution of personal 

problems related to such problems as home and family relations, health and emotional adjustment;

Plans guidance field trips to schools, colleges, and industry for interested 

students;

Guides students in their participation in school and community activities. 13. Maintains student records and protects their confidentiality; 

Initiates, assembles, maintains, and interprets accurate health records, attendance records, cumulative progress records, activity records, and uniform transcript records for assigned students;

Supervises the preparation and processing of college, scholarship, and 

employment applications;

Makes recommendations to colleges for admissions and scholarships. Provides student information to colleges and potential employers according 

to provisions of the Board's policy on student records;

Confers with parents whenever necessary;

Assists in the orientation of new faculty members;

Provides inservice training in guidance for teachers and student teachers;

Works with teachers and other staff members to familiarize them with the general range of services offered by the student personnel services department, and to improve the educational prospects of individual students being counseled; 

Advises administrators and faculty on the matters of student discipline; 

Takes an active role in interpreting the school's objectives to students, 

parents, and the community at large;

Interprets the guidance program to the community; 

Organizes and conducts an annual "Career Day." Arranges for tutors and summer school work;

Arranges tutoring for students who are not in school 

Qualifications: N.Y.S. Certification as a School Guidance Counselor

Salary Range:  $42,086-95,002, as per U.T.A. Contract 

The starting salary ranges from $42,086 (without a master's degree) to $45,011 (with master's degree). Consideration of additional compensation may be given for graduate credit hours beyond the bachelor's or master's degree and for years of certified experience. The current Utica Teachers’ Association contract salary range, depending on years of teaching and level of education, reaches a maximum salary of $110,490 for the 2024-2025 school year. Additionally, teachers are afforded the opportunity to earn above base salary if they choose to participate in 

• extended learning time programs
• additional class coverages
• summer programming opportunities
• act as club advisors and/or coaches. 

The Utica City School District offers a comprehensive benefits package.  

The Utica City School District is a longstanding recipient of the Teachers of Tomorrow Grant, which provides financial incentive for new hires.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer which fully and actively supports equal access for all regardless of Race, Color, Weight, National Origin, Ethnic Group, Religion, Religious Practice, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Age, Veteran Status or Genetic Information. 

Salary : $42,086 - $95,002