Guidance Counselor​/Pupil Services Coordinator

School Counselor

Directs the planning, delivery, assessment, and ongoing improvement of a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling programs. Facilitates parental involvement.

The following are typical work responsibilities. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Collaborates with district staff, students, families, and the community to identify ongoing/emerging guidance and counseling needs of students. Facilitates the effective planning, delivery, and ongoing improvement of guidance services (e.g., curriculum, responsive services, individual planning, system support components, etc.).
• Advances the district's professional image. Maintains open/effective communications. Uses problem-solving techniques to tactfully address and resolve questions/concerns.
• Refers district policy interpretation inquiries to administrators.
• Promotes the provision of balanced program content (e.g., self-confidence development, motivation to achieve, decision-making, goal-setting, planning, problem solving, interpersonal effectiveness, communication skills, cross-cultural effectiveness, responsible behavior, etc.).
• Communicates expectations, provides guidance, and shows an active interest in student progress. Helps parents/students understand program objectives and performance standards.
• Provides in-service training to enable teachers to assist in the delivery of the guidance curriculum.
• Designs guidance curriculum content that addresses; personal, social, educational, and career development skills. Guides students in self-appraisal, decision making, development of personal competencies, and the application of skills needed to manage personal advancement.
• Maintains career-focused resource materials. Promotes an understanding of the interrelationship of academic courses/advancement and career objectives. Directs students in the investigation of individualized educational, occupational, and personal goals.
• Promotes cultural awareness, self-reliance, problem-solving, critical-thinking, and creativity skills.
• Supports community participation in school-sponsored activities that enhance student learning.
• Maintains a positive learning environment. Facilitates student learning activities that encourage collaboration and positive peer relationships.
• Manages the school counseling program. Allots time for individual/group counseling (e.g., personal development, response to change, prevention, remediation, crisis intervention, etc.).
• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., phone calls, E-mail, written notes, meetings, etc.).
• Helps staff and families address student concerns (e.g., academic difficulties, excessive absences, behavior mental/physical health, family/peer relations, etc.).
• Serves as a resource for drug/harassment/violence prevention and related school safety activities.
• Initiates referrals to community service providers (e.g., mental health, courts/juvenile justice, social services, etc.).
• Implements protocols to safeguard student information shared with staff and/or referral sources.
• Interprets standardized test results and other assessment information. Facilitates the efforts of school personnel and families in assisting students with goal setting and planning activities.
• Assists with the multi-factored evaluation (MFE) process. Helps intervention teams prepare IEP or 504 plans for students meeting eligibility requirements.
• Helps ensure that district policies/procedures support non-biased assessment/planning activities.
• Facilitates student transition processes (e.g., alternative programs, relocation to another community, promotion/graduation, etc.).
• Complies with federal/state policies/procedures for the education of students identified as having a disability. Helps ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Participates in due process procedures as requested.
• Advocates for students. Consults with families and staff to promote to promote an understanding of student development, behavior, interpersonal relationships, and services that may enhance student success. Helps staff resolve problems that impede student participation in appropriate learning activities/environments.
• Promotes the proper use and care of district property. Ensures that all materials are stored properly. Works with staff/students to address equipment safety/security.
• Prepares/maintains accurate records. Submits required paperwork on time.
• Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Upholds the student conduct code. Implements effective pupil management procedures. Provides appropriate student supervision.
• Takes precautions to ensure safety. Watches for conduct/situations that may indicate a problem. Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors.
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other required school activities.
• Pursues educational…