School Counselor

Summary

At Bethalto CUSD #8, our mission is simple: “Whatever It Takes” to ensure every student succeeds.

The School Counselor’s primary role is working with students. In addition, the counselor serves as a consultant, resource person, guidance specialist, researcher, and educator to students individually and in small groups. These roles support the function of counseling of students and allow the counselor to serve as the students’ advocate.

• Provides developmental guidance both directly and indirectly to all students on a regular basis.
• Assists in the identification, diagnosis, and remediation of individual students with specialized needs, and attends conferences/meetings when properly notified by the special needs teacher and when necessary.
• Assists with maintaining accurate, complete, and correct cumulative records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation.
• Assists administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct; and maintains order in area(s) supervised in a fair and just manner.
• Provides teachers with appropriate student personnel information including interpretation of standardized test scores when it is necessary in dealing with students with a unique background or problem.
• Creates and works through master student scheduling each year, including new student schedules, changes to schedules, and setting up the new year for all schedules.
• Helps students learn how to approach life situations involving coping skills/problem solving.
• Assists in the organization, administration, and interpretation of district evaluation and screening programs and individual results.
• Consults with parents, staff, administration, and community agencies regarding all facets of student development and various district programs and procedures.
• Monitors and assists in the delivery of a comprehensive program of educational and career planning geared to the student’s need.
• Promotes the counseling department and District through contact with the public and use of the media.
• Demonstrates effective planning and organization in execution of job functions.
• Keeps current with changes in counseling strategies and attempt to incorporate positive change in the delivery of counseling services.
• Advises students and families related to academics, career planning and graduation.
• High school counselor keeps abreast of all high school graduation requirements, including special requirements such as community service, and communicate the information to the principal.
• Assists students and parents with the course selection according to state credit and graduation requirements and student needs and interests.
• Organizes and helps administer all practice and required standardized assessment testing.

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Counselor Endorsement required.
• Strong counseling and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with students, staff, families, and the community.
• Ability to enforce school policies in a fair and professional manner.

• Hours: 7:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
• Schedule subject to change based on district needs in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.

• Health, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance;
  Employee Assistance Program;
  Retirement Benefits

It is possible that the filling of positions and/or transfers may create vacancies in other positions. Bethalto Community Unit School District No. 8 complies with Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education activities or employment practices utilized. Furthermore, the District complies with the Civil Rights Act which prohibits discrimination in employment practices because of race, color, religion, national origin, or disability.

In addition, the District complies with L90-202 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age.