GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

General Statement of Responsibilities: To provide a comprehensive guidance program for students in grades 9-12 and counseling to meet the needs of assigned caseload: consult with teachers, staff and parents to enhance effectiveness in helping students; and to provide support to other high school educational programs. Responsibilities also include providing guidance and career instruction involving course selection and the development of a four year career plan. Examples of Duties and Responsibilities Student Counseling and Support: Accepts referrals from staff, teachers, administrators, parents or others regarding students who are having adjustment difficulties at school. Provides ongoing individual and small group counseling as needed. Assists students with self-concept, academic concerns, attendance, behavioral issues, peer relationships, family difficulties, and personal development. Support students with issues related to child abuse, substance abuse, suicide prevention, and mental health crisis. Provides counseling services as needed on IEPs and 504 plans. Addresses absenteeism as it affects school progress. Consult with teachers, staff and parents and others to meet the developmental needs of students: Counsels and communicates with teachers, staff, parents and others regarding issues related to the needs of students. Acts as a liaison between school and home, students and teachers, and others as needed. Assists families with school related issues. Arranges parent conferences with students and staff. Conducts and participates in Student Support Team (SST) meetings. Participates in team meetings, parent meetings or other meetings which address the needs of students. Develop a basic understanding and ability to collect and analyze data Make recommendations to the administrative staff regarding progress of students, concerns about students, school placement and other referrals as needed. Provides consultative services for parents related to adolescent issues as needed. Monitors school progress. Assists in developing and monitoring 504 plans. Student Support & Community Resource Coordination : Consults with parents, students and community agencies as necessary. Keeps an updated listing of available community resources, services, referral services and other information, which can be shared with students, staff and parents as appropriate. Serves as a case manager for students experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges, ensuring appropriate interventions and support. Implement the high school counseling philosophy and outcomes: Serves as an available resource for classroom teachers, nurse, health instructors and others in the area of adolescent issues and disseminates information as needed. Conducts learning activities as planned in conjunction with school administration and teachers in accordance with the Massachusetts Guidance Frameworks. Provides and assists with orientation and other informational activities at the school regarding rules, programs, courses and other relevant information. Provides or assists with prevention training and activities for at-risk behaviors. Assists new students with their transition to the NCAHS. Provides career, educational and personal counseling to a predetermined group of students. Participate in, coordinate or conduct activities which contribute to the effective operation of the school: Serves as part of the school crisis team, acts as a school sexual harassment contact person, participate in weekly student services meetings and on other committees as requested. Participates in the peer network as a trainer, leader and facilitator of mediation. Maintains an accurate and up to date log of student visits, student records, and caseload carried. Meets on a regular basis with the Student Services group to discuss students and needs, develop plans, and other activities as directed. Writes reports on students and maintains logs, progress notes, and other paperwork as required. Pursue professional growth: Updates professional skills by attending conferences, meetings, workshops and other professional development and related career training activities and shares relevant information with staff. Joins professional associations. Develops goals and activities relative to professional development and student services. Provide guidance services to the students, parents and staff: Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the components of the MASCA Model and engage in activities which promote implementation of each component Provide the knowledge and skills associated with collaboration, leadership and systemic cooperation Participate in making classroom presentations around relevant guidance issues to each grade level by working collaboratively with classroom teachers Assist in the course selection process for students Other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services or the Principal.