High School Counselor

Counselor - High School JOB SUMMARY This position provides a comprehensive developmental program of guidance and counseling to assist students in the area of academic achievement, career/educational decision making, and personal and social development. Acts as consultant, in this regard, to school staff, parents, and community members. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This job has no supervisory responsibilities. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Utilizes responsive counseling, initiates individual and group sessions for students' personal, social, and academic concerns.
• Consults with parents and staff to appraise student needs and interests and discuss appropriate recommendations for educational options.
• Provides school program support by participating in school management team and sharing responsibility for total school programs.
• Plans and coordinates classroom group guidance sessions to meet the identified guidance and counseling competencies in areas of academic achievement, career and educational development, and personal and social development.
• Utilizes responsive and group guidance services and school program support to increase student awareness of the world of work and future options open to them.
• Uses individual planning services to assist students in planning educational experiences which can support their needs and develop their potential.
• Uses responsive counseling strategies to establish relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual.
• Provides individual and small group responsive counseling services with identified students for academic or motivational issues.
• Establishes a counseling and guidance program which meets the student competencies and program implementation as outlined in the MCPS Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Master's degree from an accredited college or university in school guidance and counseling. Experience as a teacher and/or counselor preferred. KNOWLEDGE,

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Understanding child and adolescent development across academic, social, and emotional domains is crucial for providing appropriate support.
• Familiarity with school policies, procedures, and resources, including special education, testing, and graduation requirements, is essential.
• Knowledge of child protection laws, confidentiality regulations, and ethical guidelines is vital for protecting students' rights and safety.
• Understanding various counseling approaches and strategies, as well as recognizing signs of mental health concerns, is important for providing effective interventions.
• Building rapport with students, parents, and school staff is crucial for effective communication and collaboration.
• Communicating effectively with students, parents, and school staff through various means, including verbal, written, and digital communication.
• Helping students identify problems, explore solutions, and make informed decisions.
• Mediating conflicts and helping students develop healthy communication and problem solving strategies.
• Understanding and relating to students' emotions and experiences Page 1 of 3
• Adjusting counseling strategies and interventions to meet individual student needs.
• Maintaining students' privacy and building trust through confidentiality and discretion.
• Understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students. CERTIFICATION, LICENSE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to obtain clearance certificate from GaPSC.
• Meets Georgia state certification requirements in appropriate field of education. Salary/Terms/Benefits: 1. 195 day work year.
2. Salary based on certification and experience; placement on the Adopted Salary Schedule and position supplement(s). 3. Excellent benefits package (including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; employee assistance program); personal and sick leave; membership in Teachers' Retirement System. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Complete an online application.
2. Submit professional certificates, transcripts, and three (3) professional evaluations…