Counselor, Guidance Counselor: Social​/Educational, Education ​/ Teaching

Educational, Vocational, and School Counselors

Job Purpose:

Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.

• Counsel students regarding educational issues such as course and program selection, class scheduling, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning.
• Counsel individuals to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, other counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral, academic, and other problems.
• Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.
• Identify cases involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting students' development.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine their priorities for their children and their resource needs.
• Prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
• Encourage students or parents to seek additional assistance from mental health professionals when necessary.
• Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
• Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
• Provide students with information on such topics as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs.
• Evaluate individuals' abilities, interests, and personality characteristics using tests, records, interviews, and professional sources.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programs.
• Teach classes and present self‑help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.
• Establish and enforce behavioral rules and procedures to maintain order among students.
• Conduct follow‑up interviews with counselees to determine if their needs have been met.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
• Plan and conduct orientation programs and group conferences to promote the adjustment of individuals to new life experiences such as starting college.
• Assess needs for assistance such as rehabilitation, financial aid, or additional vocational training, and refer clients to the appropriate services.
• Instruct individuals in career development techniques such as job search and application strategies, resume writing, and interview skills.
• Address community groups, faculty, and staff members to explain available counseling services.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Compile and study occupational, educational, and economic information to assist counselees in determining and carrying out vocational and educational objectives.
• Provide information for teachers and staff members involved in helping students or graduates identify and pursue employment opportunities.

Bachelor's Degree with at least 15 semester hours of instruction in Social Services related instruction, Bachelor's in Psychology preferred. One year experience in counseling or related field. Valid state driver's license.

• Education and Training
  - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Therapy and Counseling
  - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
• Psychology
  - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and…