School Counseling Office Assistant

SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE ASSISTANT

Under the supervision of a school counselor, the assistant works with students to provide information concerning careers, continuing education, and postsecondary education financial aid, and performs related duties as required.

• Disseminate information to students, including pamphlets, books, and audio‑visual aids to stimulate interest and discussion concerning careers, vocations, and continuing education.
• Assist students in locating specific information and literature regarding careers, occupational training programs, colleges, universities, and trade schools.
• Assist students in completing various applications and educational financial aid forms.
• Assist students in completing individualized tasks assigned by a school counselor.
• Assist school counselors in establishing and maintaining student records.
• Compile, record, and update routine reports as necessary.
• Locate and acquire career and postsecondary education materials and assemble information packets for teachers for classroom use.
• Maintain inventories of books and pamphlets and replenish materials as necessary.
• Respond to telephone inquiries concerning general guidance counseling activities.

• Education:
  
  Graduated from high school (or G.E.D. equivalent).
• Experience:
  
  Previous office and clerical experience in a counseling or school‑related setting is highly desirable.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of guidance counseling and educational guidance resources.
  • General knowledge of Chicago Public Schools rules and regulations.
  • Ability to work with and for school‑aged children and school personnel.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to establish and maintain routine records and reports.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Skill in applying basic guidance counseling techniques, operation of basic office equipment, and demonstration of sensitivity to students’ career and educational goals.

Sedentary work:
Exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may also involve walking or standing for brief periods. A position is classified as Sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and must maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.