High School Counselor

Exempt

Term: 215 days

Salary:$60,410.70 - $112,320.74
Primary Purpose

Work with school faculty and staff, students, parents, and community to plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program at the assigned school. The primary purpose is to counsel students to fully develop each student's academic, career, personal, and social abilities, coordinate and facilitate successful student transition from high school to college and/or career, and address the specific needs of special populations students.
Qualifications
Education/Certification

• Master's degree in guidance counseling.
• Valid Texas School Counselor's certificate.

• Required:
  • Minimum of five (5) years of high school counseling experience.
  • Proven record of successful guidance program implementation and management and demonstrated success in:
    • Development of Programs of Study and student four-year plans.
    • Tracking College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) data for state accountability and developing strategic plans to ensure all students demonstrate CCMR.
  • Preference given to candidates that have:
    • Minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience at grades 7-12.
    • At least three (3) years of experience as a lead high school counselor.

• Extensive knowledge of Programs of Study, development of course sequencing, and aligned industry-based certifications.
• Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, and career development.
• Demonstrated creativity and ability to bring fresh, creative ideas to celebrating the success of students.
• Ability to motivate students and foster a college-going culture.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Monitor transcripts, graduation requirements, and provide academic advising.
• Provide academic advising and high school endorsement selection assistance as required by HB5.
• Guide individuals and groups of students to develop education plans and career awareness.
• Guide students and parents through the systematic development and continuous monitoring of four-year academic plans (including Programs of Study), ensuring proper course sequencing for graduation, college, and career goals.

• Monitor and track CCMR data for state accountability.
• Provide comprehensive guidance and support to students for the timely completion and submission of post-secondary applications to colleges, universities, and trade schools.
• Serve as the primary liaison with local scholarship committees, facilitating the timely collection, organization, and distribution of up-to-date information on local and external scholarship opportunities to maximize student access to financial resources.
• Organizing and executing annual college and trades fairs, and facilitating opportunities to bring students in contact with post-secondary programs.
• Administer and coordinate the Advanced Academic testing program (PSAT, SAT, TSIA II, AP, ACT, ASVAB), communicate the benefits of student participation, and interpret results to stakeholders.
• Identify and provide financial aid and scholarship information, and assist parents and students with completion of the FAFSA.

• Counsel individual students and small groups with presenting needs and concerns.
• Consult parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students.
• Use an effective referral process to assist students and others to utilize special programs and services.
• Implement required programs including character education, suicide prevention, and dating violence.

• Develop programs and activities that will enhance the climate and culture of our campus.
• Organize and execute all campus award ceremonies, including the annual 9-11 Academic Awards Ceremony.
• The Senior Academic Awards Ceremony must be designed as a distinguished event that incorporates the recognition of UIL academic performance, recognizes the overall academic success of these students, and invites local representatives to personally present specific scholarship awards.
• Develop, implement, and bring fresh, creative ideas to celebrate the academic recognition and success of students.
• Organize and manage the graduation program, ceremonies (held on SHSU campus), and associated materials for graduating seniors.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the guidance program and make changes based on findings.
• Coordinate the English Language Learner (ELL) program.

• Digital Communication: Maintain an up-to-date and relevant online profile on the district website, ensuring parents and students have consistent access to all critical information regarding the counseling program
• Adherence to Standards: Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and board policy in the guidance and counseling area.
• Ethical Conduct: Adhere to ethical and legal standards and model behavior that is professional and responsible, treating all students, teachers, parents, and staff with respect.
• Environment: Create, maintain, and support a learning environment that is academically, emotionally, and physically safe.
• Communication: Maintain a communication system that effectively collects and disseminates information to other professionals and effectively communicates with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Professional Development: Participate in ongoing professional development to continuously improve skills related to the job assignment.

• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Environmental Factors: Occasional prolonged and irregular hours may be required.