Counselor Jr. High 2025-2026

The Board of Trustees of the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District invites well qualified am.dministrator candidates to apply for the position Jr. High Counselor.  The Jr. High Counselor will serve under the direction of the Superintendent and under the immediate supervision of the Site Principal. DESCRIPTION The Jr. High Counselor provides individual and group counseling and guidance for secondary students at one or more school sites, liaison to community and supplemental professional services, and in-service support to teachers and staff.  The Counselor also provides counseling in academic progress, confidence and self-esteem, conflict resolution, and positive behaviors in a way that contributes to a healthy learning environment.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides individual and group counseling and guidance for students at one or more school sites.  Provides referral services a variety of other pupil services for one or more schools, including, psychologists, health care providers, and attendance monitors.
• Coordinates and prepares school master course schedules for academics.  Oversees and participates in preparing course descriptions.  
• Works with incoming students to develop a multi-year academic planner.  Monitors student progress and modifies multi-year planners as needed.
• Advises parents and school site administrators of additional or supplemental counseling, psychological, and other professional services that would enhance student behavior and ability to succeed in the classroom.
• Assists students with career exploration based on career counseling completed by Counselors and assessment results.  Assists in interpreting test results and in planning and implementing a prescriptive academic program that meets each student's needs.
• Directs students to a variety of information and resources as needed for educational planning.  Researches career patterns, occupation and labor market trends, and other information to support discussion with students on career and educational planning. 
• Consults with staff to promote positive student attitudes and acceptable standards of self-discipline and a suitable learning environment within the school.
• Establishes standards expected for student behavior and achievement.  Monitors and assesses progress toward expected standards.  Interprets and provides feedback on student behavior to teachers and parents in order to promote a better learning situation for the student.  
• Helps students and parents to effectively use the educational opportunities of the schools.  Recommends available resources within the school, school system, and community to meet the needs of individual students, and assists in making such referrals and contacts.
• Assists a Principal or Assistant Principal with facilitating student guidance and discipline processes and referrals.  Works with students, parents, and agencies to implement performance plans in a detention classroom or on an individual basis.
• Prepares documentation, participates in, and may facilitate student accountability review board (SARB) proceedings.
• Coordinates and participates in the student assistance program for identifying those in need of support services due to substance abuse, poor academic performance, behavioral problems or other emotional and social needs.
• Serves as a confidential resource and contact for students, and families, on any matter related to student performance and retention.  
• Performs initial intake interviews of students to assess strengths and needs and to ultimately develop a service plan with parents, student, and District staff.  Provides referrals to District and community resources.
• Serves as liaison between students, parents, school staff, community agencies, legal and probation agencies.  Coordinates with service providers.  Provides case management and follow-up to assure compliance with goals.
• Researches and notifies site-based and/or District administration of students not making reasonable academic progress.  
• Coordinates assembly of important student record information and works cooperatively with other pupil services staff in scheduled student case conferences.  Participates in student study team and other problem-solving conferences.  
• Implements the philosophies, goals, and policies of the District as adopted by the Board of Education.  Complies with federal and state regulations applicable to the position.
• Works and interacts with peers, as individuals and/or in team/group settings, in a professional manner that contributes to the District’s academic achievement goals.
• Maintains professional competence by actively participating in in-service education provided by the District and participating in the evaluation, modification, and implementation of existing and new programs.  
• Keeps up-to-date with new techniques and developments in secondary education by maintaining contact with others in the education field (e.g., professional association and educational group members) and by reading outcome-based research materials.
• Participates with administrators, specialists, students, and parents to develop individualized education plans (IEP). 
• If bilingual, serves as an interpreter during staff conferences with parents and assists in the translation of school communications.
• Assigns, coordinates, and evaluates the work of instructional assistants when assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Three years of successful classroom teaching in public schools and Junior High Counseling experience preferred. Valid Pupil Personnel Service Credential, or designated Services Credential in Pupil Personnel Services. Master's Degree in related field