Counselor: High School

High School School Counselor

The candidate will implement a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all students. As a counselor in the Georgia school system, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring students meet graduation requirements, navigate the college admissions process, and develop the resilience needed for post-secondary success.

Requirements:

• Educational Level: Master's Degree in School Counseling
• Certification/License
  
  Required:
  
  Valid Georgia Certificate in School Counseling
• Experience:
  
  None
• Physical
  
  Activities:
  
  Routine physical activities that are required to fulfill job responsibilities
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  Written and oral communication; organization; knowledge of available student resources

Key Responsibilities:

• Academic Advisement:
  Guide students in course selection to meet Georgia Performance Standards and graduation requirements. Conduct credit audits and develop individual graduation plans.
• College & Career Readiness:
  Assist students with post-secondary planning, including college applications, FAFSA completion, scholarship searches, and vocational training pathways (CTAE).
• Social & Emotional Support:
  Provide short-term individual and group counseling to address personal issues, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution.
• Data-Driven Programming:
  Utilize student data (attendance, grades, behavior) to close achievement gaps and implement targeted interventions.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with parents, teachers, and administrators to support student welfare. Participate in 504 Plan meetings and Student Support Team (SST) processes.
• Testing Coordination:
  Assist with the administration and interpretation of standardized assessments such as the Georgia Milestones (EOC), SAT, ACT, and AP exams.

Essential Duties:

• Responsible for developing an appropriate guidance curriculum
• Assists students in individual planning to promote personal growth
• Responds to problems by following appropriate channels to find a solution
• Implements and facilitates the delivery of guidance services through instructional activities in and out of the classroom
• Responsible for consulting with faculty and staff and working with parents and community resources as the need arises
• Follows professional practices consistent with school and system policies in working with students, students' records, parents, and colleagues
• Other responsibilities may include: group counseling, individual counseling, consultation, information dissemination and referral when appropriate, student scheduling, transcript evaluation, advisement, and assisting students in the preparation of college and scholarships
• Participates in the strategic planning operations of the school
• Maintains parent communications (conferences, email, telephone, and written)
• Is available to students and parents for conferences
• Interacts in a professional manner with students and parents
• Seeks to improve knowledge and skills through professional learning and training activities associated with job-related tasks and student needs
• Interacts with the general public, staff members, and school personnel, using tact and good judgment
• Complies with school, system, and state administrative regulations and Board of Education policies
• Presents a personal appearance that enhances the image of the school
• Meets certification and accreditation requirements
• Adheres to the Code of Ethics for Educators in Georgia
• Maintains confidentiality, taking precautions to protect records, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance
• Supports the mission and vision of the District

Non-Discrimination Statement:
Polk School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sex in its employment practices. It is the policy of the Board of Education to comply fully with the requirements of Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and all accompanying regulations.