Jr. Sr. High School Counselor (grades 7-12)

GASTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #511J

Vacancy Announcement

Jr/Sr High School Counselor (grades 7-12).  1.0 FTE

2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR

Gaston School District is a 2A school district located 35 miles southwest of Portland, a quick 7 miles south of Forest Grove, and approximately 15 miles north of McMinnville, Oregon. The buildings are located on one contiguous campus in the City of Gaston. Gaston Elementary has approximately 250 students in grades PK-6.  Gaston Jr./Sr. High School has approximately 275 in grades 7-12. Gaston offers easy access to the Portland, the coast, skiing, Oregon wine region and other popular recreation attractions.  For more information about Gaston School District, please view our website http://www.gastonk12.org

SUMMARY:

The Junior/Senior High School Counselor will provide support and resources to remove barriers that impede student achievement in the school setting.  Assist students in building the necessary academic and non-academic skills to prepare for post-secondary success. 
The start date for this position will be in August 2025.

RESPONSIBILITIES and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Attend trainings required for the position as well as maintain current licenses and certifications. 
2. Share with the principal the responsibility for protecting the health and welfare of the students. 
3. Create the master schedule in collaboration with principal and department teams.
4. Supervise the registration, classification, scheduling and testing of students. 
5. Assist in the interpretation of school and district programs, policies and procedures to students, parents, staff and community.
6. Maintain accordance with Oregon’s Framework for Comprehensive School Counseling.
7. Work with community and government agencies on non-academic areas of concern including mental health, drug abuse and truancy from school. 
8. Provide consultation assistance and professional development to school staff related to the major concepts of the proactive approach to student issues. 
9. Counsel individual students and groups and, when necessary, make appropriate referrals for testing, guidance or psychological counseling. 
10. Share responsibility of certifying students for graduation. 
11. Participate in the school’s Multi-Tiered System of Support to assist individual student needs. Must be familiar with individualized plans (IEP, 504, TAG, etc)  and understand the difference between accommodations and modifications within student plans/programs.
12. Develop and maintain open lines of communication between the school and the home in all matters related to counseling. 
13. Provide career and college guidance to students and their families, including arranging field trips and opportunities for hands-on experiences outside of school
14. Provide classroom guidance in Social and Emotional Lessons, including but not limited to Erin’s Law, suicide prevention, and mental health awareness.
15. Satisfactorily perform counseling responsibilities and continually evaluate and reappraise professional performance using District guidelines. Assume the responsibility for seeking help and advice and take full responsibility for demonstrating professional growth and needed improvement. 
16. Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator.  

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with a variety of people.
2. Ability to function where there may be pressure and in an atmosphere which may be stressful. 
3. Ability to stand, walk, or sit on the floor while working with students. 
4. Ability to make frequent trips from one’s location to other classrooms as well as other sites throughout the district. 
5. Regular attendance at work and work activities is required. 
6. Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
7. Strong organizational skills.
8. Ability to maintain a sense of humor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Valid State of Oregon TSPC License with Certification and Endorsement in Counseling. 
2. Ability to perform essential and stressful functions meeting the physical, mental and emotional requirements, with or without accommodations. 
3. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in performing assigned tasks. 
4. Ability to collect and summarize data clearly and concisely in written form. 
5. Maintain a working knowledge of various related services and agencies. 
6. Ability to work harmoniously with others and to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) with students, parents and staff.
7. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board and Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable. 
8. Ability to obtain valid CPR/First Aid Card. 
9. Prefer applicants experienced/trained in PBIS, Collaborative Problem-Solving, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Trauma Informed Practices and Restorative Practices.
10. Thorough knowledge of ODE graduation requirements and experience with College and Career Readiness.
11. Familiarty with Section 504 plans, including eligibility guidelines and supporting accommodations. 

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
• Valid State of Oregon License for the position - Certification and endorsement in Counseling.
• Teaching and/or Administrative license preferred.

Compensation:

Placement on the negotiated licensed salary agreement, plus insurance and related benefits as described in the negotiated contract.

Required Testing – Pre-employment Criminal Justice/Fingerprint.  Required Public School Works testing completed within 30 days of hire.

Application Process:

Applicants must submit all of the following:

1. Completed TalentEd Application https://gaston.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
2. Letter of introduction and interest in the position
3. Current resume
4. Three current letters of recommendation
5. Set of transcripts or placement file

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Linda Smith - smithl@gastonk12.org

Salary : $47,985 - $92,593