Job Description:This posting is for candidates who would like to be considered for any and all School Counselor openings at OUSD. This is not an advertisement of a current vacancy at OUSD but rather an opportunity to submit applications to be screened for current and unanticipated vacancies. You should also still apply to any site specific positions you may be interested in.DEFINITION: Provide school counseling to further the goals of academic achievement, vocational direction, and personal-social development. The counselor contributes to the achievement of these goals in ways that are appropriate and unique to him/her because of his/her position and special training. The principal goal of the counselor is to provide services that will enable the student to become aware of his own potential by utilizing his own resources as well as those of his environment so that he can maximize his efforts to become a more self-directed, fully functioning individual.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Works with students who are faced with decisions regarding school adjustment and achievement, the determination of long-range educational planning, the investigation of vocational pursuits, and effective personal-social adjustment.

Uses various preventive techniques, rather that punitive ones, to help students develop self-discipline. Assists staff and students in finding ways to change students’ behavior that is inconsistent with the goals of the school or the students’ own long-range goals.

Creates through group counseling and peer counseling a friendly atmosphere in which students may meet together and explore common problems and relationships.

Serves as a resource to the school’s I.A.P. in evaluating and up-dating the school’s curriculum.

Provides input into the curriculum to reflect student abilities and needs.

Understands and provides curriculum information to students.

Schedules students into proper classes after consultation with parent and student, keeping in mind the student’s abilities and needs.

Inform students about promotion, graduation requirements, college entrance requirement, and entry-level job requirements.

Interprets standardized test scores to students, their parents, and staff members.

Arranges for special testing for students and for those students whose behavior and/or progress indicates a need for special diagnosis.

Disseminates information about and assists students with post-school opportunities.

Informs students about all available sources of scholarship and financial aid and encourages and assists them in obtaining all financial awards for which they are eligible.

Assists in providing for smooth transition between schools and levels of schools (elementary to junior high, junior high to high school, high school to college) by providing information regarding registration, program, and orientation.

Coordinates all information concerning an individual student for use by teachers, other staff members, parents, social welfare workers, probation agencies, and community agencies.

Refers students and parents, through the appropriate channels, to either outside agencies or specialized services within the school system.

Writes letters of recommendation as requested by the student to other institutions or to prospective employers.

Assist in improving unsatisfactory attendance and tardiness on the part of students by conferring with students and parents.

Assists in exploring alternative solutions for those students who may not succeed in the regular school program.

Other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Credential: Possession of a valid California Teaching Credential and services credential in a specialization in Pupil Personnel Services required

Experience:At least 5 years of demonstrated successful K-12 teaching experience as a fully credential teacher is preferred.

Education: Masters Degree in Counseling or related field from an accredited college or university.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICYThe Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.