DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision of the school principal the individual would perform the duties of guidance counseling in a public school setting. An employee in this class works as a member of the school staff and is responsible for providing comprehensive guidance to all students with a focus on acceptance of self, decision making and effective communication for improving human relation skills. Classroom guidance is provided to teachers to assist in areas such as career education, career decision- making, study and test taking skills, building self esteem and establishing positive teacher and parent involvement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)

• Assists parents, teachers, and administrators in relating positively to students by improving human relation skills;
• Confers with teachers to develop management strategies to meet the needs of individual students;
• Counsels with students on an individual and/or small group on the management of personal, social, educational, and career concerns;
• Remains steadily available to students to provide individual and/or group counseling (with common concerns) that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding and maturity;
• Assists teachers in identifying potential drop outs and consults with teachers on alternative teaching strategies/techniques to seek alternative programs;
• Confers with teachers to develop management strategies to meet the needs of individual students;
• Helps students evaluate career interests and choices;
• Participates in-service training programs promoted by the district;
• Maintains a working knowledge of the testing program and interprets test results to students, parents, and school personnel;
• Encourages parental visits as a means of increasing parental awareness of various programs available to students;
• Consults with psychologists, special education personnel, and other specialists concerning students with specific learning, emotional, or other problems;
• Participates in the development of special programs for the school;
• Provides classroom guidance activities as determined by a needs assessment;
• Conduct career and educational planning activities;
• Perform other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of federal and local laws as it pertains to school counseling;
• Considerable knowledge of counseling theories, departmental policy, regulations, and procedures applicable to the school counseling program;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to cooperate and collaborate with other professionals in enhancing the education of students;
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate detailed records;
• Ability to exercise patience while dealing with students;