Buena Vista City Public Schools

Guidance Counselor
Expected Start Date: TBD

Under the general supervision of the Director of Special Education and the Assistant Superintendent, Guidance Counselors work with students to help them develop academically, personally, and socially, and to assist in career development through individual and group counseling, as well as classroom guidance sessions.

Counselors consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to provide students with the resources and services needed to become the best possible learners. In addition, they serve as liaisons between the school, community agencies, colleges/universities, the military, and post-secondary opportunities.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

Academic/Educational Development

• Assists students in achieving school success and developing skills for life-long learning.
• Counsels students individually and in groups in the areas of academic, career, and personal/social concerns.
• Provides programs, activities, and services which focus on helping children experience healthy growth academically, socially, and for future success.
• Publicizes and coordinates information to students and parents regarding enrichment programs, scholarships, and special opportunities.
• Assists in course and subject selections (secondary) relative to educational pursuits and career goals.
• Coordinates and interprets standardized test data to help students with planning.
• Obtains and disseminates information regarding occupational and postsecondary opportunities.
• Assists in scheduling classes and registration/orientation for new students.
   

Personal/Social Development

• Serves as an advocate for students, working to promote a healthy school climate and safe learning environment.
• Provides counseling that fosters personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Collaborates with parents, teachers, administrators, and community resources concerning student needs.
• Assists with crisis intervention, prevention, and intervention programs.
• Participates in the division’s dropout prevention efforts.

Career Development

• Assists students in exploring career interests and choices, and developing occupational/educational plans.
• Provides classroom and small-group guidance on decision-making, problem-solving, and career planning.
• Plans and coordinates career-related activities and field trips.
• Researches and shares up-to-date information on career and college opportunities, admissions processes, scholarships, and industry needs.
   

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrates commitment to improving professional competence.
• Continues professional learning through workshops, seminars, or professional meetings.
• Assesses student needs on an ongoing basis and adapts counseling services accordingly.
• Organizes and maintains accurate and complete records and provides student information to colleges and employers per district procedures and laws.
• Encourages parental involvement and maintains open, effective communication with families.
• Assists in the orientation of new teachers and may provide in-service training related to guidance.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal or central office administration.

Equipment Operation

• Uses personal computers, student information systems, and standard office equipment for communication, scheduling, and record-keeping.

Contacts

• Works with community agencies and businesses to bring resources to students.
• Consults daily with teachers, administrators, and division personnel.
• Secondary counselors collaborate regularly with college admissions representatives, military personnel, and employers.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of appropriate counseling interventions in a school setting, including interpersonal relationships, facilitative skills, group dynamics, multicultural and cross-cultural approaches, crisis intervention, and community resources.
• Knowledge of academic curriculum, instructional methodologies, and career/college planning processes.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability in crisis intervention, decision making, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, planning, and multitasking.
• Knowledge of college/university admissions processes, scholarship programs, and employment trends.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, students, parents, and community partners.

Requirements

• Valid Virginia Post-Graduate Professional License with endorsement in School Guidance and Counseling (elementary, middle, or secondary).
• Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling.
• Prior successful teaching or counseling experience preferred.
• Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or ability to provide own transportation.

Application Requirements

In addition to the online application, applicants who are not current BVCPS employees must submit:

• Transcripts – Undergraduate and graduate
• References – Three (3)) references required:
• New graduates: cooperating counselor and university supervisor.
• Recent experience: principals/superintendents from contracted work within the past three (3) years.
• If outside of three years, last contracted work experience references.
• Copy of License – Current or expired license, or letter of eligibility from university if pending graduation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Buena Vista City Public Schools assures Equal Employment Opportunities as required by federal and state law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks. This job description is not all-inclusive and does not imply an employment contract.

 FLSA Status: Exempt