Counselor - East Campus

Primary Purpose:

The counselor will work with school leaders, faculty, staff, scholars, parents and community to plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive, developmental guidance and counseling program for grades 6-8 that addresses both academic and social/emotional needs.

Education/Certification:

Master’s Degree in guidance counseling

Valid Texas School Counselor Certificate, preferred

Experience:

• Two (2) years of exemplary classroom teaching or counseling experience

 Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of counseling procedures, scholar academic levels/needs, and career development
• Ability to institute excellent leadership, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to facilitate both small and large group counseling sessions
• Ability to innovate, think creatively and critically, and actively find solutions to new and familiar challenges
• Ability to model democratic practices, honor diversity, advocate for equity, and participate ethically in the school community.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the department
• Ability to discern the sensitivity of internal/external communications in a charter organization and an awareness of elements of public relations

Responsibilities and Duties:

Guidance

1. Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive counseling and guidance program
2. Participate in ARD’s, as needed
3. Provide faculty, staff and scholars in training on:
   1. recognizing the signs of emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse as well as the requirements for reporting the abuse to the appropriate authorities.
   2. recognizing the signs of suicidal ideaiton and protocol for reporting to the appropriate authorities.
   3. recognizing the signs of harassment/bullying and teen dating violence and protocol and intervention.
4. Educate school staff, scholars, parents and community about guidance and counseling program/services.
5. Present classroom guidance lessons for all grade levels, related to academic, personal, and social/emotional issues.
6. Assist students and parents interpret required state test scores, as well as: TELPAS, CBE, End of Course Exams (EOC), PLAN, PSAT, ACT, SAT, Texas Success Initiative (TSI) and ASVAB results.
7. Consult with students and parents regarding college and career exploration and planning, to include yearly updates of student programs of study and graduation plans. Consult with Early College or Dual Credit High School students and parents regarding the pathways available to students to ensure proper registration.
8. Review the students’ course selection and credits earned for placement, promotion, graduation, or entry into further schooling.
9. Review student’s academic record to identify course selection for correct placement in courses and programs, etc. related to grade level and appropriate state accountability standards to include CCMR.
10. Assist students and parents with all phases of the college admission process, to include: preparation of college applications, scholarship application and employment applications; Senior College Admission and Financial Aid Night programs; NCAA student athlete information; college and career search, college bound parent meetings; and Dual Credit Enrollment information.
11. Provide and document student information and assists with decision-making regarding academic, career, personal, and social/emotional matters at the campus
12. Maintain and update Audit Cards on a yearly basis.
13. Plans, coordinates, and participates in the High School Graduation ceremony.

Counseling & Consultation

1. Provide counseling to scholars individually or in small groups as needed.
2. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators and other relevant people to enhance their work with scholars.
3. Maintain communication systems that effectively collect and disseminate information to other professionals as appropriate.
4. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with other school professionals and community representatives.
5. Work with school and community personnel to bring together resources for scholars.
6. Create an atmosphere of trust and respect for the school, scholars, faculty, families, and partners.
7. Nurture scholars’ intellectual, emotional, social, and ethical development as a counselor, educator, and advisor.
8. Identify scholars with special needs and make proper referrals for services.

School Climate

1. Provide support to administration in the development and implementation of a campus-wide incentive program
2. Participate in establishing and maintaining a positive school climate, to include “joy factor” activities/events

Assessment

1. Participate in plan development, execution, and evaluation of charter’s standardized testing programs, in conjunction with the Assistant Principal of Special Services
2. Interpret tests and other appraisal results appropriately and communicate to school personnel, scholars and their parents
3. Maintain confidentiality of scholar assessment and testing process

Communication

1. Establish and maintain open channels of communication and professional relationships with scholars, parents, teachers, principals and other school personnel
2. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly
3. Use technology effectively for communication, information management, and collaboration
4. Plan and align collaboratively with high school counselors regarding the transition from middle school to high school to meet the academic, emotional and social needs of all scholars

Professional Growth and Development

1. Utilize performance evaluation results and the appraisal process to improve performance
2. Improve counseling skills and knowledge through available in-service training and self-initiated professional training opportunities
3. Adhere to ethical and legal standards and model behavior that is professional and responsible.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Equipment Used:

Computer, copier, telephone, other like equipment applicable to position

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Works with frequent interruptions; maintains emotional control under stress.  May be required under specific circumstances to provide physical restraint of scholars in danger of causing harm to themselves or others.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job.  This is not an exhaustive list of all of the responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be assigned or required.

Salary : $55,000 - $65,000