Secondary School Counselor

Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the building Principal, the School Counselor provides students, parents, administrators, and staff with guidance on educational and career opportunities. The counselor administers and interprets career assessment tools, and assists students in developing academic and career goals aligned with their abilities, interests, and aspirations.

Essential Functions

• Student Assessment & Counseling: Assist students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through interpreting standardized test scores and other relevant data. Work collaboratively with students to develop personalized education and career plans based on their assessments. Serve as a resource for students, helping them develop personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity. Contribute to the school’s efforts in dropout prevention and provide counseling services to promote student success and engagement.
• Course Selection & Career Planning: Guide students in making informed course and subject selections. Support the scheduling of classes, ensuring alignment with students' academic and career goals. Help students explore career interests and choose career paths that align with their goals. Research educational and career opportunities, and collaborate with colleges, universities, businesses, and community organizations to provide valuable resources and information to students. Provide guidance on college and career readiness, including researching and disseminating opportunities to students. Plan and coordinate field trips to colleges, businesses, and other organizations related to career exploration and guidance.
• Admissions & Scholarships: Assist students with college admissions processes, scholarships, and identifying employment opportunities.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with administrators and teaching staff to assess individual student needs, including students with special needs. Work to familiarize all stakeholders with available guidance services.
• Orientation: Assist in registering and orienting new students to the school and its educational offerings. Assist in the orientation of new teachers and provide in-service training on counseling-related topics.
• Professional Development: Continue to grow professionally by attending seminars, workshops, and maintaining professional relationships with institutions of higher learning and community businesses.
• Record-Keeping & Compliance: Maintain accurate records in accordance with district procedures and applicable laws, ensuring compliance with student privacy and reporting requirements.
• Parental Involvement: Foster parental involvement in students' education through effective communication and support for students’ academic and career decisions.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of pre/post high school program eligibility, college admissions processes, scholarship opportunities, and career readiness.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction strategies to support students with diverse learning needs.
• Ability to use data systems for analysis, tracking, and goal-setting.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work and engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, for engaging with students, parents, and staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various educational and community stakeholders.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws regarding education and student privacy.

Educational Requirements and Certifications

• Education/Certification: Master’s Degree and completed an approved School Counselor preparation program and must be eligible for or possess a valid counselor license from the State of Virginia with an endorsement in School Counseling. Or, currently are a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Psychologist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker and eligible for a valid counselor license from the State of Virginia with an endorsement in School Counseling.
• Experience: Prior counseling experience in a school setting for the appropriate grade level(s) is preferred.

FLSA Status: Exempt