Counselor

Job Summary

The counselor fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by assisting the faculty and administration in the development of a guidance program and counseling students in areas of academic, career, and social/emotional domains. The counselor has decision-making authority within the realm of the office in consultation with the principal. This position reports to and is evaluated by the principal.

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools. In order to fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ's mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Duties

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
• Prepares and implements the guidance program for students.
• Identifies specific needs of students in academic as well as personal domains
• Coordinates the testing program and assists with test interpretation for teachers, students, and parents
• Disseminates information and provides direct services with regard to college planning, discernment, admission, and careers
• Assists students with social/emotional issues and offers referral options for outside counseling
• Maintains student records and college counseling data base
• Maintains current and accurate records according to school policy
• Meets staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese/local administration
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Keeps abreast of college entrance requirements and of guidance principles and programs
• Sends transcripts and records upon request
• Coordinates with faculty and staff concerning student achievement and other needs
• Continues personal growth through association membership in professional organizations
• Assists with scheduling and other student-oriented tasks
• Collaborates with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Knowledge of human development and adolescent issues
• Counselor Job Description (Continued Page 2 of 2)
• Knowledge of college admission counseling and processes
• Knowledge of standardized assessment instruments and applicable interpretation
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Able to work independently and self-motivate
• Able to organize and manage multiple projects and tasks
• Able to respond to crises effectively
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Counseling or Master’s Degree in Psychology or Social Work with courses included or added that address theories and methods in counseling, psychology of adolescence, career information and development, multi-cultural counseling, and vocational, academic and career testing.

Experience:

• 3 years’ experience in education, school counseling field, or related area

Certifications and Training:

• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 30 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.

Working Conditions

• All employees of the school are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the principle in the exercise of the principal’s ministry and obligations to the school.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Christian prayer and Catholic liturgical celebrations. Staff meetings and other functions may open and close with Christian prayer.
• Will be required to adhere to establish dress codes and conduct standards.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the school are tobacco free.
• May be required to use personal or school vehicles to drive to off-site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the school to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.
• Must maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to students, parents, colleagues, and administration.
• Will be required to work in multiple educational settings.

Employee Certification

All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin.

Texas is an “at-will” employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a predetermined time or guarantee of employment.