Middle School Counselor

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK

Under the direction of the principal, the guidance counselor’s responsibility is to guide students toward the fulfillment of their intellectual, physical, and psychological potential.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Preparation/Planning and Assessment

Utilizes long-range, sequentially developed planning in the areas of:

Counseling

Articulation and orientation

Educational vocational services

Placement facilitation

Pupil appraisal, evaluation and assessment

Communication

Instruction

Assists students in carrying out their educational and vocational plans

Promotes continuity in the students’ progress from grade to grade, from one school level to another and from school to employment or military service or further schooling

Provides for individual differences

Employs techniques, materials, instructional aids and community resources

Displays knowledge of subject matter and child development related to services provided

Management, Safety, and Learning Environment

Maintains appropriate confidentiality

Maintains accurate student records

Gathers and organizes information about students and interprets this information to others as appropriate (teachers, students, parents)

Works with administration on school-wide issues

Commands respect of students in appropriate settings

Student Reactions and Relationships

Helps the student identify and understand his or her strengths and needs

Assists the student in using available information about him/herself and his/her environment in problem solving and planning

Promotes the development of skills that will enable the student to function productively in new situations

Promotes critical thinking

Recognizes the necessity of staff member-pupil rapport

Helps students understand conflict resolution and to develop positive strategies for interpersonal relationships

Communication and Community Relations

Communicates with parents/guardians appropriately regarding student progress

Acts as a liaison between home, school and community agencies

Forges partnerships with families to promote student learning at home and at school

Participates in establishing favorable school/community relations

Works collaboratively with staff, families, and community to support the success of a diverse student population

Staff Relationships

Assists in the formulation and implementation of policies and/or regulations which are established by the School Board

Attends and participates in staff meetings and serves on staff committees

Adheres to administrative regulations and directives

Cooperates with administrative and supervisory staff in the evaluation process

Establishes and maintains cooperative relations with co-workers relative to school matters

Professionalism

Develops and maintains interpersonal relationships that are pleasant and professional

Maintains respect for the worth and dignity of each student

Participates in professional meetings and serves on and contributes to special committees

Conducts all school related activities in a manner that serves as a positive influence on youth

Provides for professional growth through an ongoing program of reading, workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or advanced course work

Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day

Demonstrates a positive view of the philosophy and objectives of the school to parents and community

Abides by adopted board of education policies and procedures

Maintains a satisfactory record of punctuality and attendance

Accepts and implements constructive criticism

Seeks to advance education through individual and group endeavors

Exercises prudent judgment

Acts to improve total school program

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s Degree and Postgraduate Professional or Pupil Personnel Services license with school guidance and counseling endorsement (or eligibility for such).