Counselor - MS (2026-2027 School Year

Middle School Counselor

Reports To:

Principal

Wage/Hour Status:
Exempt

Pay Grade: AI 2

Primary

Purpose:

The Middle School Counselor is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive program of guidance to school assigned, including counseling services. Provide a proactive developmental guidance program to encourage all students to maximize personal growth and development.

All employees of SISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, championing the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.

Required:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Valid Texas School Counselor certificate as required by the State Board of Education Certification

Preferred:

• Three years teaching experience

• Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, and career development
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Knowledge of student achievement data and how it relates to student intervention

Major

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Coordinates with Academic & Student Support Services to meet District objectives.
• Identifies the academic guidance needs of students.
• Assists with standardized testing for the campus including GT assessment.
• Confers with students whose grades indicate academic problems or whose test results indicate academic weakness.
• Works with students and parents in relating achievement abilities and interests to current and long-range educational planning.
• Monitors middle school credits and establishes four-year high school plan for middle school students.
• Works with students to set an Achieve Texas pathway prior to leaving 8th
• Assists in the intervention process for students.
• Counsels with students individually or in groups.
• Assists students with personal, family, adjustment and social problems.
• Assists students in developing problem solving and coping skills and in developing high self-esteem.
• Coordinates with administrators and the community Youth Service Specialist, Substance Abuse Counselors and Attendance Officer to assist students having truancy, drug or status offense problems.
• Notifies parents and/or appropriate agencies in case of child abuse, potential suicide and other crises in accordance with District Policy.
• Assists or serves on District crisis intervention team as needed/assigned.
• Conducts/assists in prevention guidance activities related to child abuse and substance abuse and suicide.
• Assists students, staff and parents in making use of the counseling services.
• Interprets guidance information for teachers working with students.
• Seeks to identify students with special needs and works with parents, staff and outside agencies to meet these needs.
• Consults with District psychologists and diagnosticians, youth service workers, substance abuse counselors, teachers and parents on behalf of students and according to management guidelines.
• Assists in the referral of students for special program placement in the Admission, Review, Dismissal Committee, the Student Assistance Team, Tier 4 Building Referrals Committee, etc.
• Provides in-service and workshops on counseling related topics for teachers.
• Provides technical assistance and clinical supervision for teachers in programs related to counseling.
• Plans/assists in orientation, transition and career activities.
• Coordinates counseling information and record keeping.
• Maintains documents and reports relating to referrals and special placements.
• Assists in identification, delivery and monitoring of services to at-risk students.
• Maintains daily records of all contacts with and on behalf of students.
• Assists in scheduling and providing information and assists students and parents in course selection process.
• Disseminates course selection information and assists students and parents in course selection process.
• Assists in determining appropriate academic placement and course selection for all students.
• Assists/Coordinates campus transition activities for middle school students with elementary and high school campuses.
• Assists/coordinates transition activities for incoming sixth grade students.
• Assists/coordinates transition activities for eighth grade students entering high school.
• Assists with related parent orientations.
• Functions as an integral and unifying facilitator of the campus improvement plan, the District counseling objectives and the District Five-Year Strategic Plan.
• Assists in evaluation of campus and District counseling programs and in implementation of necessary changes.
• Remains current in the area of counseling through membership in professional organizations, review of related literature, attendance of workshops and in-service programs.
• Promotes community understanding through professional concern for all students as well as demonstrating an interest in school and community activities.
• Performs other appropriate guidance and counseling duties as assigned by the…