School Counselor (High School)

JOB CLASSIFICATION TITLE: High School Counselor
BARGAINING UNIT CLASSIFICATION: Waterbury Teachers’ Association CEA-NEA

DEPARTMENT REPORTS TO: College and Career Readiness
Receives administrative direction from the Principal or other administrative official of a higher grade

INCUMBENT NAME FLSA DESIGNATION Exempt

PART I - SUMMARY OF CLASSIFICATION

This class of educators are uniquely trained in adolescent development, learning strategies, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, who understand and promote success for today's diverse students. They implement a school counseling framework along with the Portrait of a Graduate to support students through this important developmental period in a safe, supportive, culturally sustaining, and equitable learning environment. (ASCA, 2019).

PART II - QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s Degree in School Counseling from an accredited college or university in School Counseling
2. School Counselor Certification issued by the CT State Department of Education (068)
3. Connecticut requirements for certification as a School Counselor
4. Continuing education requirements of a Certified School Counselor

PART III - DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities).
The Essential Role of the High School Counselor

• Use school counseling research-based standards and competencies to inform the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling framework to create systematic change;
• Provide appraisal and advisement to all students through large group, classroom, small group and individual settings regarding academic, career, and social/emotional needs;
• Implement a developmentally appropriate school counseling curriculum to all students;
• Consult and collaborate with teachers, families, administrators, support staff, and outside agencies in regards to early identification and intervention of students’ academic and social/emotional needs critical to achievement and success;
• Make referrals to appropriate school and community resources;
• Provide short-term small group and individual counseling to help students learn coping skills for personal, social, academic, and family concerns;
• Use data to develop and implement action plans, identify gaps in achievement, opportunity and attainment to provide student services.
• Work collaboratively with school psychologists, social workers, nurses, and other agencies to provide multi-tiered systems of support to students and families;
• Participate in team meetings, student strategy teams, and 504/PPT meetings as appropriate;
• Guide high school students starting in 9th grade to develop their postsecondary educational/career plans, coordinate career assessments & interpret results to help students in their planning;
• Review and evaluate credits, grades, & transcripts with students, helping them meet graduation requirements and develop academic plans for success and postsecondary planning;
• Provide college & career counseling, information on scholarships, NCAA requirements, College board testing and waivers;
• Assist students in preparing for the financial aid and college admissions process;
• Collaborate with middle school staff to assist students in making a smooth transition to high school; and provide orientation activities for incoming students and their families;
• Consult and be a resource for teachers. Take a leadership role in seeing the infusion of counseling content into the curriculum;
• Provide family education materials and programming, helping families with school related problems and issues (e.g., college planning nights, financial aid nights, college/career fairs);
• Review the comprehensive school counseling framework annually, revising it as needed and planning yearly/monthly calendars of counseling program activities as well as conducting annual needs assessments;
• Advocacy for all students regarding rigorous courses and higher education, fair, just and compassionate treatment, for underrepresented groups, including high needs populations and families;
• Use data to develop and implement action plans, identify gaps in achievement, opportunity and attainment to provide student services;
• Assists with the building testing as needed (e.g., PSAT/SAT, NGSS, AP);
• Participates in parent, teacher, and student conferences as requested and initiates such conferences as needed;
• Utilizes available technology resources to enhance the school counseling program, including but not limited to: Google Suite, PowerSchool, and Naviance.

PART IV - POSITION SUPERVISES

May provide supervision of School Counseling interns to assist the student in completing requirements to obtain certification.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities and duties performed by personnel so classified.

Waterbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the District when necessary.

Prepared on: December 2, 2020