School Counselor at Southampton County Schools

Position Title: High School Counselor

Location: Southampton County Public Schools Academy
Reports To: Principal

Job Summary:

The High School Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive counseling services to students in grades 9-12 at Southampton County Public Schools Academy. This role includes supporting students' academic, career, and personal development, assisting with college and career planning, and promoting a positive school environment. The High School Counselor collaborates with teachers, administrators, and parents to address student needs and foster their overall well-being.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Support:

• Provide individual and group counseling to address academic, career, and personal concerns.
• Assist students in developing coping strategies, decision-making skills, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Monitor student progress and provide interventions as necessary to support academic and personal success.

Academic and Career Planning:

• Assist students with academic planning, including course selection, graduation requirements, and goal setting.
• Provide guidance on college applications, scholarships, financial aid, and career exploration.
• Support students in developing and implementing post-secondary plans and career goals.

Crisis Intervention:

• Provide immediate support and intervention for students experiencing crises, such as family issues, bullying, or mental health concerns.
• Develop and implement crisis response plans and safety plans for students at risk.
• Collaborate with community agencies and resources to provide additional support for students and families in crisis.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to support student development and address academic and behavioral concerns.
• Participate in grade-level and school-wide meetings to discuss student progress and develop intervention strategies.
• Serve as a resource for teachers and staff, providing guidance on best practices in supporting student mental health and well-being.

Program Development:

• Develop and implement school-wide programs and initiatives to promote a positive school climate and support student development.
• Conduct workshops and presentations on topics such as college readiness, career planning, and personal development.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and make recommendations for improvement.

Parent and Community Engagement:

• Communicate regularly with parents about their child's progress and ways to support their development at home.
• Organize and participate in school and community events that promote student well-being and academic success.
• Develop and distribute materials and resources to support parents in addressing their child's needs.

Professional Development:

• Stay current with the latest research and best practices in school counseling and student development.
• Attend workshops, conferences, and other professional development activities related to school counseling.
• Provide professional development opportunities for teachers and staff to enhance their ability to support student well-being.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in School Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
• Valid state certification as a School Counselor.
• Previous experience in school counseling or working with high school students preferred.
• Strong knowledge of counseling techniques, college and career planning, and crisis intervention strategies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Proficiency in the use of technology for communication and record-keeping.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and move freely for extended periods.
• Capacity to lift and move educational materials and supplies as necessary.
• Ability to supervise and interact with students in a variety of settings.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a school setting and may require traveling between classrooms and schools.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for school events and meetings.

Note: The job description listed above is not exhaustive and may include additional responsibilities not listed here.

Southampton County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.