Secondary High School Counselor

Requirements: Master's degree in school counseling AND current IDOE Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counseling Endorsement

Reports to Principal

Evaluated by Principal or Designee

Primary Function

As vital members of the school’s educational leadership team, professional school counselors provide comprehensive, developmental supports within the academic, personal/social, and career domains to ensure that today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. School counselors are uniquely trained professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. School counselors provide proactive leadership to engage all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help all students achieve success in school.

Expected Goals

• Help all students to design a comprehensive plan for their future by providing college and career readiness exposure and advisement for grades K through 12.
• Create programs and supports to assist students with removing social, emotional, and economic barriers that are impeding student achievement
• Teach students essential life skills through social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons and self-accountability advising protocols, so students will be able to utilize these skills and access opportunities in the workplace and college.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Create, Implement, and Evaluate a Comprehensive School Counseling Program aligned with the Michigan City Area Schools REACH Framework for School Counselors. The Framework is aligned to the American School Counselor Association National Model for School Counseling Programs and outlines a comprehensive counseling program that delivers services equitably to all students in the building.
• Conduct Annual Needs Assessments and Data Reviews to Determine and Prioritize Student Needs.
• Implement The School Counseling Core Curriculum. In order to reach all students, the school counselor will design, conduct, and co-teach learning activities in classroom, large group, and/or school wide settings, based on the academic, career, postsecondary and social/emotional needs of the students.
• Provide Individual Student Planning Activities. In collaboration with students, staff, and families, the school counselor will create an academic plan that ultimately results in the successful obtainment of a diploma and postsecondary option(s) of choice. Activities to support this objective may include: facilitation of completion of the Individual Learning Plan in Naviance; transition activities; advisement to ensure students are on-track to the next grade level or phase in life.
• Provide Responsive Services. The school counselor will provide responsive services to address students’ barriers to academic achievement. Activities to support this objective may include: facilitation of small groups; structured, short-term, goal-oriented individual counseling sessions; participation in building-level student assistance teams; facilitation of conferences with students, teachers, and families; schoolwide support during crisis or emergency situations; participation in IEP/504 Plan teams.
• Provide Indirect Student Support. Indirect services are provided on behalf of students as a result of the school counselor’s interactions with others. Activities to support this objective may include: referral of students/families to district and community resources; serving as a student advocate to promote student development within the three domains; reaching out to other experts and stakeholders to obtain information on students’ needs.
• Provide System Support. As professionals, leaders, and advocates in the school building, the school counselor will coordinate, conduct and participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school consistent with the approved school counseling program.

Key Deliverables:

• Contribute to the development of a school-wide college readiness climate.
• Design and implement a comprehensive data-driven college and career readiness program for all students in grades K – 12 (i.e., college and career fairs, campus visits, portfolio development and student planning, etc.).
• Evaluate student transcript reviews each quarter for all students in grades 9 – 12 and address presenting issues.
• Monitor on-track to graduation rates, college readiness requirements and college enrollment outcomes.
• Conduct individual, small group and classroom guidance sessions to monitor academic and social-emotional development.
• Collaborate with the Success Team and all key stakeholders.
• Assist with student scheduling and design activities to meet individual student graduation and postsecondary enrollment needs.
• Coordinate test prep activities and assist with the administration of school-wide tests, such a PSAT SAT, Advanced Placement, etc.

Salary and Benefits

Payment Type: Salary, per MCEA Agreement

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, annuity contribution, ITRF, life insurance

The Michigan City Area Schools does not discriminate on the basis of the Protected Classes of race, color, national origin, sex (including transgender status, sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information, which are classes protected by Federal and/or State law (collectively, "Protected Classes"). This includes the Corporation's employment opportunities, programs, and/or activities, or, if initially occurring off Corporation grounds or outside the Corporation's employment opportunities, programs and activities, affecting the Corporation's environment. For further information, clarification, or complaint, please contact the MCAS School Administration, 408 S. Carroll Avenue, Michigan City, Indiana 46360 at (219) 873-2000 for Title IX (gender equity related issues); or Special Education Director , 408 S. Carroll Avenue, Michigan City, Indiana 46360 at (219) 873-2000 for Section 504 (non-discrimination/disability issues and Americans with Disabilities). Any other information concerning the above policies may be obtained by contacting the Superintendent, Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, 408 S. Carroll Ave., Michigan City, Indiana 46360 at (219) 873-2000.