Counselor - High School (Lee's Summit West High School)

2025-26 School Year

182 days/yr

7.5 hrs/day

Purpose Statement

The job of Counselor-Guidance was established for the purpose/s of implementing the Missouri Model Guidance Program; providing support to the instructional process with specific responsibility for helping students develop career/life goals; supporting student academic achievement; providing individual and group counseling to students; providing support during a crisis; working with community agencies and working with parents, teachers, support staff and the community.

This job reports to Principal

Essential Functions

• Assists in coordinating a variety of testing for referred students for the purpose of determining appropriate placement and eligibility for special services.
• Assists in the student enrollment process (e.g. collaborates with administration, trains faculty as enrollment advisors, assists in building master schedule, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that students are appropriately placed in classes and on target to meet graduation requirements.
• Assists students in filling out and filing applications (e.g. scholarships, college, financial aid, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring completion of application processes within designated time frames.
• Coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists and/or community (e.g. service clubs, courts, child protective services, etc.) for the purpose of providing/receiving requested information and/or making recommendations.
• Develops a variety of special programs (e.g. career night, financial aid workshops, parent meetings, etc.) for the purpose of providing information to assist students in the successful transition at all levels of education.
• Monitors students' progress for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success.
• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. workshops, committees, community groups, etc.) for the purpose of gathering and sharing information related to job assignment.
• Performs individual and group counseling and guidance functions and activities (e.g. career, vocational, social, emotional, etc.) for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.
• Prepares a wide variety of materials (e.g. quantity reports, student activities, correspondence, audits, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Presents information to a variety of staff, students and parents (e.g. careers, post-secondary planning, social issues, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.
• Researches program eligibility requirements for the purpose of providing up-to-date, accurate counsel to students.
• Schedules student classes for the purpose of securing appropriate placement and meeting their graduation and post-secondary eligibility requirements.
• Supervises assigned programs (e.g. scholarships, peer counseling, special education, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall curriculum objectives.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; preparing and maintaining accurate records; planning and managing projects; and using pertinent software applications.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: stages of child development; codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; community resources; and treatment modalities and assessment.

ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing a variety of complex processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pullin g; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing.  The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment.

Experience:  Job related experience within specialized field is required.

Education:  Masters degree in job related area.

Equivalency:  None Specified

Required Testing:  None Specified

Certificates & Licenses:  Missouri School Counseling Certificate

Continuing Education/Training:  None Specified

Clearances: Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status:  Exempt