School counselor

Position Purpose:
Under the general supervision of school principal, to provide a comprehensive counseling and developmental educational program for students.  School counselors consult with teachers, administrators, staff members, and parents in order to provide activities and services designed to meet the needs of students and maximize their personal growth and development.

Essential Functions:

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.

• Counsels individual students and/or small groups of students on personal, social, and educational problems, referring them to the appropriate staff member and/or social agency, when necessary.
• Consults with teachers, administrators, parents and staff members regarding the developmental needs and abilities of students needs.
• Familiarizes stakeholders with district services and resources for students with special needs and/or students eligible for the district’s free/reduced lunch program.
• Assists with the interpretation of individual and group standardized assessment data and works with the building principal to develop educational plans consistent with such interpretations.
• Assists with the administration of the district standardized testing program.
• Provides services and support to students and staff members during crisis situations.
• Coordinates with building and district-level staff members to provide whole-class instruction on topics such as grief, family issues, self-concept, suicide prevention, and abuse on an as-needed basis.
• Consults and collaborates with community-based agencies other district specialists such as school psychologists, secondary guidance counselors, social workers, and nurses.
• Works collaboratively with district staff members to ensure a smooth transition for students moving from the elementary to the secondary level.
• 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 conducts informational sessions and activities to both internal and external stakeholders on issues related to the developmental needs of students.
• 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.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members and participates in faculty meetings and committees. 
• Maintains 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 adolescent and educational psychology, including effective counseling practices and procedures.
• 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 manage student behavior.
• 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 school counseling.
• Education:
• Bachelors degree in education, psychology, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Masters degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university.
• Experience:  Successful prior experience as a school counselor (preferred).

FLSA Status:  Exempt