Description:JOB DESCRIPTIONQUALIFICATIONS:(1) Master’s degree from an accredited educational institution.(2) Certification in Guidance and Counseling by the state of Alabama.(3) Must meet the No Child Left Behind Act regulations and requirements.(4) Must meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama statutes and State Board of Education regulations.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Ability to design and deliver classroom guidance. Ability to conduct individual, small group and large group counseling. Ability to counsel and assist students, parents and school personnel in the resolution of problems in student learning, behavior and mental health. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to maintain sensitivity to multicultural issues. Knowledge and understanding of guidance and counseling principles, programs and services. Knowledge of test and measurement theory. Knowledge of community resources and services available for student assistance. Ability to administer and interpret student assessment and evaluation instruments. Ability to analyze and use data. Ability to audit forms and reports for accuracy and completeness. Ability to consult with parents, school personnel and the public. Knowledge of child development and especially of characteristics of students in the age group assigned. Ability to plan and implement activities for maximum effectiveness. Ability to use current technology. Ability to assess levels of student achievement effectively, analyze test results and prescribe actions for improvement. Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision so that students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn. Knowledge of current educational research. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to work effectively with peers, administrators and others.REPORTS TO:PrincipalJOB GOALTo provide students with educational, personal and vocational counseling and to identify and coordinate all available resources to empower students to reach full potential.SUPERVISES:Guidance SecretaryPERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:*(1) Develop guidance programs based on developmental needs of students, needs assessments, and school and system priorities.*(2) Establish short- and long-range plans based on student needs as well as school, system and state priorities.*(3) Implement, coordinate and monitor school-wide counseling services and activities.*(4) Establish priorities and an implementation schedule for counseling and student service programs.*(5) Establish an environment for an effective counseling program.*(6) Review, evaluate and select a variety of materials to support a well-balanced counseling program.*(7) Provide personal and social growth counseling concerning academic success, understanding of self and others, communication skills, decision-making, relationship skills, conflict resolution, goal setting, and effective coping skills.*(8) Orient new students and their parents and assist students moving from grade to grade or school to school.*(9) Implement programs for career awareness and comprehensive educational/career plans which target high school completion, post-secondary opportunities, scholarships and financial aid information.*(10) Recognize, appreciate and serve the cultural differences and special needs of individuals and families.*(11) Serve as an advocate for students.*(12) Provide crisis intervention services including follow-up services as appropriate.*(13) Provide intervention for at-risk students and those with special learning and behavioral needs.*(14) Establish and follow procedures for appropriate intervention in accordance with school, system policies and state laws, and rules and policies.*(15) Identify student/school issues and follow established procedures to resolve issues.*(16) Demonstrate knowledge of theories, techniques and instruments used for assessments.*(17) Explain nature and purpose of assessment in an understandable manner, including its uses and limitations, and provide feedback to appropriate individuals.*(18) Administer tests, interpret scores, and communicate results.*(19) Exercise confidentiality in the sharing of test results.*(20) Maintain the security of standardized tests.*(21) Use relevant assessment data to make recommendations to students, parents, teachers and other professionals.*(22) Review student records and indicators: portfolio assessment, professional team interaction and analysis reports, documented parent interaction, student discipline records and others as deemed appropriate by the system guidelines to evaluate student need.*(23) Communicate goals and services of the counseling programs to school administration, staff, students and parents.*(24) Collaborate with students, parents, school staff and other appropriate persons to assist in meeting student needs.*(25) Use positive interpersonal skills to encourage cooperative efforts between staff, students, families and the community.*(26) Participate in multidisciplinary conferences concerning individual cases of special need, including academic, social, cultural, emotional, and economic.*(27) Establish an effective working relationship with outside services and make appropriate referrals for psychological, social work, health, and community services.*(28) Evaluate counseling program objectives including using feedback from students, parents and staff.*(29) Create or select long-range plans based on a review of system and state curriculum priorities, student profiles and instructional priorities.*(30) Define goals and objectives for unit and daily plans.*(31) Identify specific intended learning outcomes which are challenging, meaningful and measurable.*(32) Sequence content and activities appropriately.*(33) Use appropriate material, technology and resources to help meet learning needs of all students.*(34) Establish and maintain a positive and safe learning environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.*(35) Assist students in assessing, interpreting and evaluating information from multiple sources.*(36) Communicate high learning expectations for all students.*(37) Maintain academic focus by using a variety of motivational techniques.*(38) Use appropriate techniques and strategies to enhance the application of critical, creative and evaluative thinking capabilities of students.*(39) Develop and use assessment strategies to assist the continuous development of learners.*(40) Encourage self-assessment by students and assist them in developing plans for improving their performance.*(41) Provide feedback to students about the appropriateness of responses and quality of work with a focus on improving student performance.*(42) Ensure that student growth and achievement are continuous and appropriate for age group, subject area and/or student program classification.*(43) Administer standardized tests according to directions and ensure secure handling of materials.*(44) Establish appropriate testing environment and ensure test security.*(45) Interpret and use data for diagnosis, instructional planning and program evaluation.*(46) Revise plans based on student needs.*(47) Establish and use behavior management techniques which are appropriate and effective.*(48) Establish routines and procedures and work with students on consistently following them.*(49) Foster student responsibility, appropriate social behavior, integrity, valuing of cultural diversity, and respect for self and others by role modeling and learning activities.*(50) Collaborate with students, parents, school staff and other appropriate persons to assist in meeting student needs.*(51) Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with other professionals, students, parents and community.*(52) Communicate, in understandable terms, individual student progress knowledgeably and responsibly to the student, parents and professional colleagues who need the information.*(53) Recognize overt indicators of student distress or abuse and take appropriate intervention, referral, or reporting actions.*(54) Maintain contact with appropriate community resources and law enforcement agencies that can provide needed services.*(55) Assist others in acquiring knowledge and understanding of particular area of responsibility.*(56) Work with other teachers in curriculum development, special activities, and sharing ideas and resources.*(57) Assist in implementation of school rules, administrative regulations and School Board policy.*(58) Develop routines and efficient techniques for minimizing time required for administrative and organizational activities.*(59) Organize materials for efficient distribution and collection.*(60) Manage materials and equipment effectively.*(61) Organize procedures, practices, materials, and routines for the effective use of instructional time and for the completion of administration activities.*(62) Establish and maintain efficient record keeping procedures.*(63) Maintain a clean, attractive, and organized learning environment.*(64) Use time effectively.*(65) Act in a professional and ethical manner and adhere to professional standards at all times.*(66) Comply with policies, procedures and programs.*(67) Demonstrate attention to punctuality, attendance, records and reports.*(68) Exercise appropriate professional judgment.*(69) Maintain confidentiality of student and other professional information.*(70) Support school improvement initiatives by active participation in school activities, services and programs.*(71) Conduct a personal assessment periodically to determine professional development needs with reference to specific instructional assignment.*(72) Develop and implement a professional development plan annually in accordance with state and system requirements.*(73) Engage in continuing improvement of professional knowledge and skills.*(74) Keep abreast of developments in instructional methodology, learning theory, curriculum trends and content.Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.*Essential Performance ResponsibilitiesPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force as needed to move objects.Job Description Supplement 10TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the system’s approved compensation plan.Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system.EVALUATION:Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.

Counselor - Middle School

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