Guidance Counselor; Anticipated - Ashford Middle School

Guidance Counselor

HOUSTON COUNTY SCHOOLS

Qualifications:

• A Master's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in guidance and counseling and course work in psychology, testing and measurement, sociology, and education.
• Must be eligible for a valid teacher's certificate, with endorsement in counseling and guidance.
• Meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama statutes and State Board of Education regulations.

FLSA:
Exempt

Reports To:

Principal/Designee

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements an effective school guidance and counseling program.
• Defines and interprets the guidance and counseling program to students, teachers, parents, administrators, and community members.
• Coordinates the registration of new students and provides them with an orientation to school procedures and the school's various opportunities for learning (high school only).
• Assists students in developing a middle school curriculum plan and provides a method for documenting and reviewing the plan annually (middle school only).
• Develops and implements large and small group guidance programs. (elementary only)
• Assists in the placement of individual students with special needs in appropriate educational situations.
• Coordinates the procedure for the security and maintenance of students' educational records.
• Develops a method for recording student grades, attendance information, and other pertinent educational data.
• Coordinates the school's testing program.
• Prepares informative reports and materials for principals, teachers, students, and parents concerning the results of the school's testing program.
• Assists teachers in identifying and interpreting problems that interfere with a student's ability to learn.
• Provides individual and group counseling opportunities that may lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Establishes effective working relationships with employers, agencies, and other institutions that may be of use to teachers, parents, and students.
• Assumes responsibility for coordinating appropriate follow-up activities.
• Assumes responsibility for individual professional development and for attending appropriate professional meetings.
• Assists students in building self-esteem and developing decision-making, problem-solving and positive human relations skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to read, interpret and follow State Board of Education rules, School Board policies, and the appropriate state and federal statutes.
• Knowledge and understanding of guidance and counseling principles, programs, and services.
• Knowledge of test and measurement theory.
• Knowledge of community resources and services available for student assistance.
• Ability to counsel and assist students, parents, and school personnel in the resolution of problems in student learning, behavior, and mental health.
• Ability to administer and interpret student assessment and evaluation instruments.
• Ability to analyze and use data.
• Ability to consult with parents, school personnel, and the public.
• Ability to maintain sensitivity to multicultural issues.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing using correct grammar, spelling, and business English.
• Physical and emotional ability and dexterity to perform required work and move about as needed in a fast-paced, high-intensive work environment.

Terms of Employment:
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the system's approved compensation plan. The Salary Schedule may be viewed online oe.us under the Human Resources tab. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system.

Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job qualifications and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned. The Houston County Board of Education reserves the right to amend the job description as needed.