Professional School Counselor (General Posting)

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the building principal plans and provides for appropriate services for students. Provide an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of all students. Monitor and evaluate student outcomes. Communicate and interact with students, parents, staff, and community. Develop, select, and modify guidance lessons and materials to meet the needs of all students. Monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, materials, and facilities. 

Essential Job Functions

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Facilitates academic success in the educational process based on the identified goals and abilities of each individual student.
• Provides professional counseling and advisement to a diverse population of students, various backgrounds, and special needs, e.g., admissions counseling, student counseling, academic counseling, and student recruitment.
• Provides guidance and assistance to students in the initial intake process to determine the appropriate course of action with respect to defined educational goals and objectives, e.g., registration information, entering test scores, and reviewing and interpreting results.
• Provides professional counseling and advisement for appropriate course selection each term based on work completed, identified interests, and each student's educational goals.
• Provides information regarding articulation and transferability of courses, including appropriate prerequisite courses for higher education; provides vocational and academic counseling services for all students, prospective students, and former students.
• Identifies and determines appropriate course of action necessary to resolve students' academic issues and concerns.
• Maintains necessary student records and references, e.g., student registration, withdrawals, transfer information, progress reports, and reference data.
• Performs related duties as required.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to effectively advise students of varying academic levels in order to facilitate student success and achievement of educational goals.
• Considerable knowledge of all applicable educational, vocational, and higher education entrance requirements, coursework, and programs.
• Knowledge of business English and spelling; knowledge of basic math.
• Ability to clearly communicate information both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform routine typing and basic computer operations, i.e., data entry, word processing, and records retrieval.
• Ability to access, operate, and maintain various software applications; ability to read, update, and maintain various records and files.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, facsimile machines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, instructors, and students.
• Ability to perform duties with a professional and cooperative work ethic; ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work flexible hours necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Knowledge of basic School District work policies and guidelines; knowledge of departmental practices and procedures.

Education / Certifications / Experience

Master's Degree in an Education, Counseling, or related field, supplemented by two (2) to three (3) years experience in an academic advisory position, preferably within a similar public educational institution, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Successful completion of certification in Post Graduate Professional License in Counseling.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: 

Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer; to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors and on the telephone; physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds; and to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.