Reports to: Principal

Dept./Campus: Elementary/High School

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Length of Contract: 200 days

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive program of guidance, including counseling services to school assigned. Use a planning process to define needs and priorities of population served. Provide a proactive, developmental guidance program for all students to maximize personal growth and development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Master's degree in guidance and counseling

Valid Arkansas counselor's certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, and career development

Excellent organizations, communication, and interpersonal skills

Maintain a calm and patient demeanor with students and others

Experience:

Three years teaching experience preferred

The Board may find appropriate and acceptable alternatives to the above qualifications.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Maintain professional behavior, appearance, and work ethic to represent the school district in a positive manner at all times.
• Articulate a positive image of the school district and school district personnel.
• Demonstrate effective customer service strategies to all district patrons.
• Effectively plan and implement the school guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs.
• Teach the school developmental guidance curriculum to students.
• Assist teaching staff in teaching of guidance-related curriculum.
• Provide guidance to individuals and groups of students to develop education, career, and personal plans.

• Provide counseling to individuals and small groups.
• Collaborate with other school and district staff to design testing and appraisal programs for students.
• Use an effective referral process to help students and others use special programs and services.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and the local board policy in the area of guidance and counseling.
• Present for students a positive role model that supports the mission of the school district.
• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Assess and respond to needs related to job responsibilities.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the guidance program and implement changes based on the findings.
• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.
• Develop needed professional skills appropriate to job assignments.
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
• Articulate the district's mission and goals in the area of counseling to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Demonstrate awareness of school-community needs and initiate activities to meet those identified needs.
• Demonstrate the use of appropriate and effective techniques for community and parent involvement.
• Help organize Career Fair, conduct Safe and Drug-Free Schools programs, and assist with all other campus/district initiatives.
• Serve as the district’s 504 and ALE coordinator.
• Be responsible for writing student letters of recommendations as requested.
• Attend Response to Intervention meetings as requested.
• Be visible in hallways at all passing periods for student interaction.
• Assist principal in master scheduling as directed.
• Assist principal with student schedules as directed.
• Serve as Liaison for Homeless Students.

• Provide McKinney-Vento information for the community.
• Help students remain in the school or origin.
• Assist school personnel in identifying students in transition.
• Assist students in enrolling in school.
• Work with students and transportation department to secure transportation for students.
• Provide community resource information to students and families.
• Collaborate with community service providers and resources.
• Mediate enrollment disputes.

• Serve as Equity (Race, Gender, and National Origin) Coordinator.
• Serve as Foster Care Liaison Coordinator.

• Assist students as needed to ensure the continuity of education services
• Stay in school currently enrolled
• Arrange transportation
• Coordinate surrogate parent program.

• Secure individual to be the district’s surrogate parent for a student concerning special education matters when a parent cannot be identified or located, the student is a ward of the state, or an unaccompanied homeless youth.
• Train selected individual to be a surrogate parent.
• Other duties as assigned by the campus principals or district administration.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Ability to communicate (verbally and written); ability to instruct; ability to maintain control under stress; ability to manage others in a non-coercive manner; maintain a clear focus on customer delight

Physical Demands:

Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.; occasional local and state-wide travel