Job Title: Director, Guidance and Counseling Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director of Guidance and Counseling Pay Grade: Admin Pay 6

Dept. /School: Guidance and Counseling Days: 227

Supervises:

Coordinator of Student Well-Being and Support

Student Assistant Services Counselors

Primary Purpose:

Direct and manage Student Well-Being and Support

Direct and manage Student Assistant Services Counselors

Assist the Executive Director with overseeing the Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program,

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Masters in School Counseling from an accredited college or university
• TEA Professional School Counselor Certification
• Valid Texas Standard Principal or Mid-Management certification (preferred)
• Licensed Professional Counselor or Clinical Social Work Licensure (preferred)
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

Special Knowledge Skills:

• Knowledge of counseling theories, skills and services.
• Knowledge of comprehensive guidance and counseling program
• Knowledge and skills in laws as it relates to the counseling profession
• Knowledge of state graduation requirements
• Knowledge of the state assessment requirements
• Knowledge of academic, social and emotional needs of student
• Knowledge of college and career opportunities for students
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Ability to coordinate district function
• Ability to implement policy and procedures
• Ability to interpret data
• Strong organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop and deliver clear, engaging professional development tailored to diverse audiences using various tools and techniques, effectively facilitating discussions and adapting communication styles to enhance engagement, foster collaboration, and promote a well-informed school community.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years successful elementary and/or secondary school counseling experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Guidance and Counseling Program Management

• Facilitate and coordinate counseling services which target students' personal, academic, and social growth in the educational setting
• Coordinate the District and State mandated Counseling Program Development and PK—16 impact
• Develop and support a comprehensive counseling program collaborating efforts between the guidance counselors and Student Assistant Services counselors
• Coordinate staff development and training for counselors that addresses the Foundation Graduation Plan with Endorsement, P-16/Career and Technical program impact, and other legislative reforms
• Coordinate staff development and training for professional growth in counseling skills;
• Coordinate and oversee the counseling department's response to crises within the district, ensuring timely support, appropriate interventions, and effective collaboration with staff, students, and external resources.
• Provide leadership and technical assistance to counselors in formulating and implementing effective counseling programs and services
• Collaborate with the Director of Post-Secondary Readiness to help provide leadership and technical assistance to College and Career Advisors in developing, implementing, and promoting an effective college readiness program to ensure school counselors have the necessary information to support students' college readiness.
• Provide assistance to counselors in developing and implementing a program of public information which advocates for the student services a counselor provides
• Inform counselors of current policies, ethical standards, updates and pertinent information
• Act as a liaison and advocate for the guidance and counseling program
• Collaborate with the Career and Technical Education department in providing career awareness, dual course offerings and P-16 guidance activities
• Coordinate educational planning at appropriate and critical transitional levels
• Provide supervision and collaborative efforts in the formation and dissemination of educational planning materials for students and parents
• Collaborate with the Director of Post Secondary Readiness to help support district-wide college and career initiatives including college fairs, financial aid, scholarships, grants, and college application workshops.
• Provide professional development, leadership, and mentorship to guidance apprentices, supporting their growth in counseling practices, student engagement, and educational planning.

Student Assistance Services Program Management

• Supervise Student Assistance Services Counselors, providing guidance and professional development to enhance their effectiveness.
• Direct and oversee the Student Assistance Services program to ensure at-risk students receive support in academic, social, emotional development and drop-out prevention resources.
• Oversee the implementation of intervention programs addressing substance abuse prevention, mental health awareness, and social-emotional learning.
• Oversee crisis intervention efforts, providing leadership in responding to student mental health crises and coordinating necessary support services.
• Collaborate with community agencies and stakeholders to provide students with access to additional support services.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, utilizing data to make informed improvements.
• Coordinate professional development and training for Student Assistance Services Counselors on best practices.
• Ensure program compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.

Student Well-Being and Support Program Management

• Supervise the Coordinator of Student Well-Being and Support, ensuring alignment with district priorities and student needs.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of the social-emotional learning of adults and students district-wide including professional development, curriculum and strategic planning.
• Establish partnerships with external mental health organizations and service providers to enhance student support resources.
• Oversee the development and implementation of district-wide wellness programs that promote a positive school climate and student success.
• Ensure high-quality training and resources are provided to school counselors, teachers, and administrators to enhance their capacity in supporting student well-being.
• Advocate for policies and practices that prioritize student mental health and well-being in the educational environment.

Student Management

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with parents, students, and teachers.

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy. Recommend sound policies to improve career and technology education.
• Compile, maintain, file, and present reports, records, and other documents required.

Budget and Inventory

• Compile, maintain, file and present reports, records and other documents required.
• Develop and administer departmental budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the disposal and replacement when necessary.

Personnel Management

• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions of Coordinator of Student Well-Being and Support, Student Assistant Services Counselors, Guidance Apprentices
• Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure effective operation of Guidance and Counseling department.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Communication and Community Support

• Assist students, parents, and teachers with education, career, college, and scholarship information.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring of the Coordinator of Student Well-Being and Support and Student Assistant Services Counselors.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent districtwide and some statewide travel; occasional prolonged or irregular hours.