School Counselor; High School

High School Counselor

Job Classification

Title:

High School Counselor

BARGAINING UNIT CLASSIFICATION:
Waterbury Teachers’ Association CEA-NEA

DEPARTMENT

REPORTS TO:

College and Career Readiness

Receives administrative direction from the Principal or other administrative official of a higher grade.

Classified educators trained in adolescent development, learning strategies, self‑awareness, self‑management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision‑making. They implement a comprehensive school counseling framework alongside the Portrait of a Graduate to support diverse students through critical developmental periods in a safe, supportive, culturally sustaining, and equitable environment (ASCA, 2019).

• Master’s Degree in School Counseling from an accredited college or university
• School Counselor Certification issued by the CT State Department of Education (068)
• Continuous professional development required for certification
• Meeting all Connecticut state requirements for a School Counselor

• Use research‑based standards and competencies to inform a systematic school counseling framework.
• Provide assessment and advisement to all students in large group, classroom, small group, and individual settings.
• Implement a developmentally appropriate counseling curriculum for all students.
• Consult and collaborate with teachers, families, administrators, support staff, and outside agencies for early identification and intervention of academic and social/emotional needs.
• Refer students to appropriate school and community resources.
• Provide short‑term small group and individual counseling to develop coping skills.
• Use data to develop action plans, identify gaps in achievement, opportunity, and attainment.
• Collaborate with school psychologists, social workers, nurses, and other agencies for multi‑tiered support.
• Participate in team meetings, student strategy teams, and 504/PPT meetings.
• Guide students from 9th grade onward in postsecondary educational/career planning, including career assessments.
• Review and evaluate credits, grades, and transcripts to support graduation requirements.
• Provide college and career counseling, scholarship information, NCAA requirements, testing and waivers.
• Assist students in the financial aid and college admissions process.
• Collaborate with middle school staff for a smooth transition and orientation activities.
• Integrate counseling content into curriculum and advise teachers.
• Deliver family education materials and programming (e.g., college planning nights).
• Review the counseling framework annually, revise as needed, and plan yearly/monthly activity calendars.
• Advocate for rigorous courses, inclusive treatment, and support for underrepresented groups.
• Assist with building testing as needed (e.g., PSAT/SAT, NGSS, AP).
• Participate in parent, teacher, and student conferences as requested.
• Utilize technology resources (Google Suite, Power School, Naviance) to enhance the program.

Employees must possess adequate physical strength, stamina, and visual and auditory acuity. A physical examination may be required. Working conditions include typical school settings with moderate physical demands and exposure to common environmental factors such as noise, heat, and chemicals. Specific tasks are performed standing, walking, sitting, carrying, and driving within the school and community.

Waterbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective and current employees to discuss accommodations.