HS Counselor

4 months ago

Irving, United States Irving Independent School District Full time
JOB TITLE: Counselor

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Principal

PAY GRADE: Counselor Salary Schedule

(205 Days- High Schools)

(220 Days- Lead Counselor)

DEPARTMENT: Assigned Campus

DATE REVISED: June 2021

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive program of guidance and counseling services based on the defined needs of the population served. Provide a guidance and counseling program to assist all students in maximizing personal growth and development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

Master's Degree

Valid Texas Teaching Certificate

Valid School Counselor Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of counseling procedures/techniques, student appraisal, and career development

Knowledge of family and peer group dynamics

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Minimum Experience:

Two (2) years of teaching experience or school counseling experience as outlined by the Texas State Board of Education for out-of-state candidates.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Program Management:

PLANS, IMPLEMENTS, AND EVALUATES A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM OF GUIDANCE, INCLUDING COUNSELING SERVICES
  1. Uses a planning process to define needs, priorities and program objectives.
  2. Implements a comprehensive and balanced program.
  3. Evaluates the effectiveness of individual activities and the over-all program in meeting desired student outcomes.
  4. Educates the school staff, parents and the community about the guidance program through a public information program.
Guidance:

TEACHES THE SCHOOL DEVELOPMENTAL GUIDANCE CURRICULUM
  1. Outlines, in writing, a campus guidance curriculum consistent with the district's guidance program plan and tailored to campus needs.
  2. Teaches guidance units effectively.
ASSISTS TEACHERS IN THE TEACHING OF GUIDANCE RELATED CURRICULUM
  1. Consults with administrators and teachers regarding the teacher's areas of responsibility in teaching the developmental guidance curriculum.
  2. Supports teachers in teaching "essential elements" identified in the SBOE Rules for Curriculum which are guidance-related.
GUIDES INDIVIDUAL AND GROUPS OF STUDENTS THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PLANS AND CAREER AWARENESS
  1. Involves students in personalized educational and career awareness.
  2. Presents relevant information accurately and without bias.
Counseling:

COUNSELS INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS WITH PRESENTING NEEDS/CONCERNS.
  1. Provides counseling systematically.
  2. Responds to students individually.
COUNSELS SMALL GROUPS OF STUDENTS WITH PRESENTING NEEDS/CONCERNS.
  1. Provides counseling in groups as appropriate.
  2. Provides group counseling systematically.
USES ACCEPTED THEORIES AND TECHNIQUES APPROPRIATE TO SCHOOL COUNSELING.
  1. Uses accepted theories.
  2. Uses effective techniques.
Consultation:

CONSULTS WITH PARENTS, TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND OTHER RELEVANT INDIVIDUALS TO ENHANCE THEIR WORK WITH STUDENTS
  1. Provides professional expertise collaboratively.
  2. Interprets information and ideas effectively.
  3. Advocates for students.
Coordination:

COORDINATES WITH SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PERSONNEL TO BRING TOGETHER RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
  1. Maintains a communication system that effectively collects and disseminates information about students to other professionals as appropriate
  2. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with other school professionals.
  3. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with representatives of community resources.
USES EFFECTIVE REFERRAL PROCESS FOR ASSISTING STUDENTS AND OTHERS TO USE SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
  1. Accurately assesses students' and their families' needs for referral.
  2. Participates actively in the process for referral of students to school/district special programs and/or services.
  3. Uses an effective referral process for assisting students and others to use community agencies and services.
Assessment:

PARTICIPATES IN THE PLANNING AND EVALUATION OF THE SCHOOL GROUP STANDARDIZED TESTING PROGRAM.
  1. Is knowledgeable in the principles of testing and measurement which underlie standardized testing program development.
  2. Collaborates in the planning and evaluation of the group standardized testing program.
INTERPRETS TEST AND OTHER APPRAISAL RESULTS APPROPRIATELY.
  1. Correctly applies principles of test and measurement to test and other appraisal results interpretation.
  2. Interprets test and other appraisal results to school personnel.
  3. Interprets test and other appraisal results to students and their parents.
  4. Uses other sources of student data as assessment tools for the purpose of educational planning.
  5. Maintains the confidentiality of student assessment.
  6. Ensures that the uses of student records are for the benefit of students and personnel working with those students.
Professionalism:

ADHERES TO ETHICAL AND LEGAL STANDARDS
  1. Observes ethical standards of the Texas and the American School Counselor Association.
  2. Observes relevant legal standards.
ADHERES TO PROFESSIONAL DISTRICT STANDARDS
  1. Pursues continuous professional growth and development.
  2. Keeps abreast of current and innovative procedures and practices in the fields of guidance and counseling and in education.
  3. Selects counselor interventions appropriate to students' issues and circumstances.
  4. Creates an atmosphere in which confidence, understanding, and respect result in a helping relationship.
  5. Maintains positive working relationships with other counselors.
  6. Maintains professional records.
  7. Respects the integrity of the student.


WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Must maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem solving skills while under stress. Must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written). Should be able to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision-making. Frequent in-district and occasional in-state or national travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Safety: Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.