School Counselor 211 Days

Overview

Job Description

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

The purpose of this job is to support student achievement and to assist them in making social, educational and occupational decisions that will assist in students’ lifelong development as mature and responsible citizens.

East Ridge Middle

East Ridge Middle School, nestled in the heart of Chattanooga, TN, is a vibrant and diverse learning community where students in grades 6-8 grow academically, socially, and personally. Built on the pillars of engagement, connection, motivation, and service, ERMS is more than just a school—it’s a place where every child is empowered to succeed.

Our vision is clear: to shape responsible citizens through intellectual growth, character building, and social development. From rigorous academics to competitive athletics, students at ERMS thrive in an environment that challenges and supports them year-round. Our dedicated teachers don’t just teach—they mentor, inspire, and invest in their students, offering morning tutoring, staying late to coach, and creating meaningful relationships that make the middle school years both impactful and memorable.

At the core of our school culture is the Pioneer Way—a mission that guides our students and staff in being Respectful, Responsible, Resilient, and Ready. These values influence every interaction, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere where students feel valued and prepared for the future.

With a student body that reflects the rich diversity of our community—45% Hispanic, 24% African American, 22% White, and 9% other—ERMS celebrates differences while ensuring equitable opportunities for all. We seek educators who not only hold high expectations for every child but who also bring passion, a growth mindset, and a heart for student success. At East Ridge Middle, we are more than a school—we are a family, paving the way for brighter futures, one student at a time.

Responsibilities

• Maintains appropriate licensure and acknowledges that continued employment with the Hamilton County Department of Education is contingent upon providing required documentation to validate licensure in a timely manner.
• Reviews a variety of student assessment data to ensure continuous improvement in measurable student performance and achievement.
• Coordinates and administers standardized testing as appropriate in accordance with district policies and state law.
• Implements district, state, and federal policies, regulations, and laws, where appropriate.
• Works to discover and develop special abilities of students, with a long-term goal of high school graduation.
• Registers students new to the school and orients them to school procedures and the school’s varied opportunities for learning.
• Counsels students on an individual or small-group basis to develop resolution and/or coping skills when dealing with personal problems related to school, home, health, and emotional issues that may impact educational achievement and /or school attendance.
• Plans student field trips as appropriate to schools, colleges, and industry.
• Confidentially initiates, assembles, maintains, interprets, and appropriately transfers accurate health, attendance, cumulative progress, activity, and uniform transcript records for assigned students.
• Makes recommendations to colleges for admissions and scholarships; assists students in the preparation and processing of college, scholarship, and employment applications.
• Confers with parents on a regular basis as appropriate.
• Communicates the role of the school counselor and available services to students, parents, and community.
• Assists students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and works with students in evolving educational and occupational plans in terms of such evaluation.
• Advises and assists students in course and subject selection.
• Follows established procedures to ensure assigned areas are safe.
• Works collaboratively with all stakeholders.
• Attends work and arrives to work on time.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
• Performs related duties, such as sponsoring a student organization or activity. Attends and/or supervises school sponsored events as required.
• Complies with accounting and financial policies and procedures involving the handling of money and property, as well as other Board policies.
• Use computers and other technology to enter and access information related to essential job functions.
• Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
• May operate a motor vehicle to conduct various work activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree and a valid Tennessee School Service Personnel License for School Counseling pre-K-12 are required.
  
  

Skills/Qualifications

• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members.
• Demonstrates excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.
  
  

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Salary Scale

This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard-to-staff positions. Please see https://www.hcde.org/staff/human_resources/differentiated_compensation for more details.