JOB SUMMARY
To provide a comprehensive guidance program for students.  The counselor provides activities to meet the needs of the students, consults with teachers, staff and parents to enhance their effectiveness in helping students, and provides support to their overall academic success. 
JOB TITLE:   School Guidance Counselor
REPORTS TO:  Building Principal

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Assists students in evaluating students' aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and works with students in developing education and occupation plans consistent with such evaluation.
• Assists students in making course and subject selections, as well as with evaluating career interests and choices.
• Assists in the scheduling of classes/courses especially at the secondary level.
• Obtains and disseminates information regarding occupational opportunities to students and to classes studying occupations.
• Assists students with admissions, scholarship and identifying employment opportunities.
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with guidance services.
• Researches educational and career opportunities, and coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists, and business and community organizations for the purpose of providing information, and making recommendations.
• Assists with the registration and orientation students who are new to the school regarding procedures and educational opportunities.
• Assists with the school district's dropout prevention efforts.
• Serves as ready resource to students to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Plans and coordinates field trips to institutions of higher learning, businesses and other organizations related to guidance responsibilities.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
• Ability to effectively communicate both written and verbal, including presentations.
• Ability to collate data and use basic, job related equipment.
• Be self-motivated and able to work with limited direct supervision.
• Flexibility to work with others in a variety of circumstances and a diverse group of individuals.
• Knowledge of ESSA and Special Education federal guidelines.
• Passionate about improving urban public education and devoted to making a difference.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with students, staff and community.
• Knowledge of services provided by multiple community agencies, and the ability to leverage the resources of those agencies to provide services to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.

Education

• Master's Degree in School Counseling K-12
• Five or more years classroom teaching experience preferred.
• Experience in an urban and/or public school environment.

Terms of Employment

• 10 month employee
• Eligible for, personal time off days and benefits upon hire as set by JSD Board Policy

FLSA STATUS:  Exempt

The Job Description above identifies the essential functions, knowledge, skills and experience required for this position, and provides examples of duties that may be required.   This description does not outline all job duties & responsibilities that may be required of this position.