Middle School Counselor

Job Description:

Aspen Middle School seeks a school counselor for immediate hire to finish the  school year.

Position Title:

Middle School Counselor Department:
Aspen Middle School

Reports to:

Aspen Middle School Principal Classification:
Certified Contract Period: 9 Month (185 days with some variance depending on the year) Compensation: SBenefits: ASD offers district-funded employee and dependent health benefits including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance to benefit-eligible employees. Other benefits include (as eligible): paid leave, CO PERA (pension plan) enrollment with district contribution, TSA options, free transportation for employees from Carbondale to Aspen, employee assistance program, wellness program, supplemental insurance (ie cancer, disability, etc).

This position is eligible for the employee housing program as units are available.

Purpose:

The Middle School Counselor enhances student achievement by providing individual student services, responsive services, and system support in the areas of social/emotional growth, academics, and post-secondary career readiness. Knowledge and experience demonstrating school counseling program components required by the ASCA National Standards are necessary.

Requirements:
Candidates must possess or be eligible to obtain within the first 3 months of hire an initial or professional Colorado Special Services License with an endorsement in school counseling.

• Social-Emotional Learning
• Academic skills support
• Education in understanding self and others
• Coping strategies
• Peer relationships and effective social skills
• Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution
• Career awareness, exploration and planning
• Substance abuse education in collaboration with the AMS Wellness classes and outside agencies
• Multicultural/diversity awareness
• Individual and small group counseling
• Individual/family/school crisis intervention
• Referrals and collaboration with outside agencies that support our students
• Professional development
• Responsible technology use for emerging adolescents
• Collaboration using a Multiple Tiers of Support System (MTSS) with a team of administrators, teachers, and support staff

• Implement and support individual and grade-level programming to support social/emotional development of students
• Integrate evidence-based practices and research findings into counseling services
• Interpret and use data to improve student achievement
• Help students gain an understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses
• Support and/or establish safe, inclusive and respectful learning environments for a diverse population of students
• Transition planning for current and new students
• Work collaboratively in the areas of scheduling and assessment coordination for optimal student support and success
• Demonstrate leadership in advocating for students and exhibiting high ethical standards
• Be a contributing member of the Special Populations team
• Facilitate the AMS peer tutoring program
• Consultation and support for parents and teachers in the areas of adolescent development and problem-solving
• Creatively support the school’s mission of developing the whole child: mind, body and spirit
• Have a strong desire to extend learning experiences beyond the classroom, including participation in the middle school outdoor education program

• Manage oneself (be organized, prepared and punctual; manage resources; meet deadlines; follow through on commitments; demonstrate appropriate physical appearance relative to job and environmental expectations) in a manner that enhances the school community
• Act in ways that directly support the missions of Aspen Middle School and the Aspen School District on a consistent basis
• Learn and grow as a professional
• Use clear verbal and written communication and active listening skills
• Develop and maintain rapport and effective relationships with adolescents and adults contacted in carrying out duties and responsibilities by using courtesy, diplomacy, collaboration, cooperation, and professional conduct
• Contribute to the goals and success of all teams and team members through collaboration, cooperation, and flexibility in team discussions, activities, and decision-making
• Maintain high ethical standards, legal responsibilities, and confidentiality.

Working Environment:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, some stooping kneeling, sitting, and walking. The job is performed in a generally clean and comfortable environment.