High School Guidance Counselor

Location:         Site Level School

Reports To:  School Principal

FLSA Status:   Exempt

Salary Range:  Per WBR Salary Schedule

Terms of Employment:  9 Months/182 Days

Domains and Components will be used for guidance counselor evaluation in conjunction with measures of student growth.  Measures of student growth will be aligned with West Baton Rouge Parish School System’s accountability measures as outlined in the Louisiana Accountability System.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

The School Guidance Counselor develops and implements guidance programs which assist students in making effective adjustments to the world in which they live and in and helps them achieve academically as they prepare for high school. The School Counselor must also respond to the challenges presented by today's diverse student population. Middle school counselors do not work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans and presents orientation programs which are designed to inform students about available guidance services
• Plans and develops a comprehensive program of vocational guidance based on current philosophies and needs of children
• Plans and arranges for yearly class scheduling, schedule verification and schedule changes, as necessary
• Identify and address student needs that will ultimately formulate into academic and personal success
• Provides individual and group counseling services to assist students
• Provides the following types of information as necessary:
  • Curriculum offerings
  • Number of credits earned and/or those necessary for the next grade level
  • Attendance and course requirements
  • Scholarship information
• Continues the comprehensive programs of vocational guidance based on current philosophies and needs of children
• Announces job opportunities on behalf of prospective employers, if contacted
• Holds conferences with parents, teachers, administrators and/or community agencies
• Maintains and up-to-date file of community referral agencies
• Re-evaluates and updates guidance services on an ongoing basis
• Coordinates all testing
• Assists in test and data interpretation and the coordination of accurate records
• Provides referral services in the transferal of a student to another person or agency wither within or without the school
• Provides consultation services for students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the community
• Participates in 504 and IEP meeting for students with special needs as needed
• Provides courteous and prompt service to all internal and external customers including students, parents, co-workers, etc. 
• Schedules and/or attends conferences with parents
• Assists parents, teachers, students, and the person(s) who serve in the role of Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance in alleviating excessive absences
• Refers parents and students to the proper resources for support services as necessary, (e.g., SBLC, Mental Health, Health Clinic, school nurse etc.)
• Provides orientation for new students
• Prioritizes and addresses requests and assignments in a professional manner to develop cooperative relationships and to ensure that the confidentiality of student and employee records is assured
• Identifies opportunities and recommends methods to improve service, work processes and financial performance
• Assists co-workers in the completion of tasks and assignments to ensure continuity of service
• Orients new co-workers and actively supports teamwork
• Participates in activities and organizations that facilitate professional growth and development
• Develops a Professional Growth Plan
• Performs other duties as assigned

 PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

Exhibits competency in the following areas:

• Poise and self-confidence
• Enthusiasm and optimism
• Punctuality
• Dependability
• Flexibility
• Willingness to implement recommendations
• Acceptable speech and grammar
• Effective communication with students
• Discreet handling of confidential information
• Unbiased attitude regarding race, sex, creed, religion or disability
• Effective communication with colleagues and other adults
• Any and all other duties as assigned by the School Principal.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

   Possess a Master’s Degree.  Level 1 Louisiana Teaching Certificate with certification as a school counselor.  Additional criteria may be    established by the Board.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

     Work Environment:  The School Guidance Counselor will work in a climate-controlled environment adhering to the School
     Board energy policy. Workday consist of regular school hours.  Then length of the workday consists of teacher hours at the assigned school and may vary as the result of meetings, evening activities or emergencies. 

     Communication Skills:  The School Guidance Counselor must be able to effectively communicate in English both orally
     and in writing. Must have the ability to accurately give and receive information via telecommunication system and must be able to
     communicate successfully with students, teachers, parents, school personnel, and the community.

     Equipment Used:  The School Guidance Counselor must be able to use a telephone, cell phone, fax machine, scanner,
     audio-visual   equipment, PC, PC software, hardware, copy machine, laminator, calculator, and other appropriate machines that may be relevant and appropriate for a library/media center.

     Physical and Mental Involvement:  The School Guidance Counselor should be able to perform these physical activities:
     standing, walking, reaching bending, and lifting 10 pounds (sometimes required).  The School Guidance Counselor must
     be able to plan and implement appropriate educational programs for staff.  Must be able to understand and interpret written and verbal instructions. Must keep accurate, up-to-date records.  Must be able to comply with state and parish regulations.  

     Human Relations:  The School Guidance Counselor must be able to work cooperatively with district personnel and the
     community.  Must be able to respond appropriately to supervision and accept commendations and recommendations. Must demonstrate sensitivity/understanding in interpersonal relations with persons of diverse cultures/backgrounds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Job descriptions are designed and intended only to summarize the essential duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements for the purpose of clarifying the general nature and scope of a position’s role as part of the overall organization.  Job descriptions do not list all tasks an employee might be expected to perform – even if seemingly unrelated to the basic job,  Every employee has a duty to perform all assigned tasks.  An employee who is assigned a duty or task believed to be unlawful should report the assignment to the Director of Human Resources/Staff Development.  It should also be noted the order of duties/responsibilities as listed in the job description is not designed nor intended to rank the duties in any order of importance relative to each other.