High School Counselor (25-26 School Year)

District Mission Statement: 

To inspire lifelong learners who are self-sufficient and ethical citizens.

CLASSIFICATION:        Certified

QUALIFICATIONS:      

1. A Master's Degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning.
2. A valid counselor certificate for assigned areas issued by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
3. Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Gasconade County R-2 School District Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

REPORTS TO:     Building Principal

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

As a member of the guidance department staff, a counselor is to provide a comprehensive guidance program for students in grades 9-12.  The counselor provides activities to meet the needs of their assigned case load, consults with teachers, staff and parents to enhance their effectiveness in helping students, and provides support to other high school educational programs.

JOB GOAL:       Help students overcome problems which impede learning and assist them in making educational, occupational and life plans that hold promise for their personal fulfillment as mature and responsible men and women.

PERFORMANCE AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Implement the high school guidance curriculum:  Conduct guidance learning activities in the classroom as planned in conjunction with school administration and teachers; consult with and be a resource person for teachers to facilitate the infusion of guidance learning activities into the regular education curricula.

1. Guide and counsel groups of and individual students through the development of educational and career plans: provide orientation activities for students new to the school; participate in orientation programs for incoming 9th graders; guide 9th and 10th graders in the updating of their "High School Four Year Plans"; guide       11th and 12th graders to assist them in evaluating their current status and requirements needed for high school graduation; guide 12th graders to help them develop and take appropriate steps toward implementing their post-high school educational or career plans; assist in pre-registration of  students; guide groups of individual students and their parents in the use of test results and information for education and career planning; guide all students to develop tentative career/vocational plans through the use of resources in the guidance center such as Missouri Connections; assist in securing scholarships.

1. Counsel small groups and individual students with problems: Conduct structured, goal-orientated counseling sessions to meet the identified needs of individual or groups of students.  Session topics at the high school level may include self-concept, academic problems, attendance and behavior problems, peer problems, family issues, child abuse, substance abuse, suicide (threats and attempts), and sexuality issues.

1. Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students: Participate in staff meetings; conduct in-service programs for faculty; conduct and facilitate conferences with teachers, students, and parents; assist families with school related problems.

1. Refer students with severe problems to appropriate community agencies in consultation with their parents: Consult and coordinate with in-district and community agencies, such as school psychologist, nurses and administrators and community based psychologists, service agencies and physicians.

1. Coordinate, conduct or participate in activities which contribute to the effective operation of the school: Assist in scheduling of classes; interpret group test results to faculty and staff; establish effective liaisons with the various grade levels or instructional departments; act as an advocate for individual students as appropriate in conjunction with other staff; assist other school staff in the placement of students with special needs in appropriate programs such as advanced courses and special education; and participate with the administration and faculty as a team member in the implementation of the district testing policy.

1. Evaluate and revise the building guidance program:  Review periodically with the staff and administration the guidance program evaluation self-study; review and modify the guidance program calendar; evaluate guidance learning activities.

1. Pursue professional growth:   Attend state and local staff development, programs; join professional associations (MSCA, MVA, ACA, MACD, AVA, etc.); read professional journals; attend relevant workshops and conferences sponsored by professional organizations; take post graduate courses.

1. Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal or his/her designee.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:     10-month position. Salary to be established by the Board of Education.

EVALUATION:  Performance in this position will be evaluated annually by the Building Principal in accordance with provisions of the Board of Education policy using the Performance Based Teacher Evaluation.  Summative evaluation forms will be forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools to be kept on record.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND VISUAL DEMANDS:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. Additionally, the employee may occasionally be required to push or lift up to 25 lbs. as necessary for the safety and well-being of others. Lastly, this job requires the employee to have the vision ability to read handwritten or typed materials, and meet multiple demands from several people while interacting with other staff and the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

JOB DUTIES:  The most significant duties of this position have been included in this job description. However, this job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties performed. In addition, the District may modify this position as needed to reflect the assignment of additional or supplemental duties assigned. Employees are expected to perform all assigned duties regardless of whether such duties appear in this job description.

Revised:                January 16, 2024