Guidance Counselor (Pre K-8) bei Confluence Academies

              Guidance Counselor (Elementary/Middle School)

Purpose Statement

The job of Guidance Counselor (Elementary/Middle School) is done for the purpose/s of providing a comprehensive guidance program for Kindergarten - 8th grade students depending on site assignment including the areas of curriculum, social and behavioral skills, individual planning, responsive services, system support, and developmental students needs; managing the schedules and placement of assigned students; providing course curriculum, information, and recommendations to students and parents; and assisting in the development of goals and plans for achievement. Functions of the position may vary depending on site assignment.

This job reports to Principal (Elementary/Middle)

Essential Functions

 Administers tests and diagnostic results in a variety of areas (e.g. academic achievement, memory skills, aptitude, etc.) for the purpose of identifying areas of student interests and strengths.

 Analyzes student data for the purpose of determining services needed for specific students and providing those services.

 Assists in crisis intervention, risk assessment, and reporting for the purpose of supporting students and families to enable stability in students' lives to enhance their academic success.

 Attends meetings and workshops (e.g. IEPs/504s, trainings, meetings with parents/guardians, outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information to ensure students' opportunities for academic success.

 Coordinates with teachers, resource specialists, and/or community (e.g. service agencies, courts, child protective services, etc.) for the purpose of providing/receiving requested information and/or making recommendations to promote student success in the academic setting.

 Counsels students, parents, guardians, and teachers for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.

 Develops a variety of special programs and classroom presentations (e.g. social skills, life skills, career exploration, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and support for students related to academics, social and emotional development, and future career paths.

 Monitors students' progress for the purpose of assessing and identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success.

 Performs home visits in conjunction with a network staff member when available (e.g. social worker, assistant principal, etc.) for the purpose of evaluating student's home situation to counsel and/or assess needed support and services to enhance student's social and academic performance.

 Prepares a wide variety of materials (e.g. reports, student activities, correspondence, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.

 Provides a variety of support services for students (e.g. individual and group counseling, decision- making, academic success, interpersonal skills, etc.) for the purpose of addressing and mediating issues affecting students' performance/achievement in the school environment.

 Provides brief crisis interventions identifying the cause of the issue for the purpose of resolving the problem and/or determining if referral to a network social worker and/or outside agency is required.

 Responds to teacher referrals for behavioral and social/emotional concerns for assigned grade level for the purpose of providing needed guidance and support for students.

Other Functions

 Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the school site.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; preparing and maintaining accurate records; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; conducting meetings; and using pertinent software applications.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applicable laws, codes, rules, procedures, and regulations related to assigned activities; instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; working with frequent interruptions; establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others; and maintaining consistent, punctual, and regular attendance.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 15% sitting, 65% walking, 20% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.

Experience:           Job related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education (Preferred): Master's Degree in Counseling

Education:            Masters degree in job-related area with an emphasis in School counseling.