Counselor

1 day ago

Albany, GA, United States Dougherty County School System Full time
Position Type:
Student Support Services/Guidance Counselor

Date Posted:
12/2/2025

Location:
Merry Acres Middle

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

December 2, 2025

POSITION: Counselor

LOCATION: Merry Acres Middle School

JOB SUMMARY:
The Dougherty County School System is seeking a certified counselor to join our roster of experienced, motivated, effective professionals at Merry Acres Middle School. The Middle School Counselor provides comprehensive, data-informed school counseling services to support the academic achievement, social-emotional development, and postsecondary readiness of all students. The counselor works collaboratively with students, families, staff, and community partners to cultivate a supportive school climate where each learner is safe, connected, and equipped for success.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Master's degree in school counseling, counseling psychology, or a related field;
  2. Valid certification in School Counseling;
  3. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  1. Exemplary communication, organization, and leadership skills;
  2. Experience delivering large-group, small-group, and individual interventions;
  3. Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team;
  4. Ability to collaborate with staff and community members in the delivery of programs and services to students;
  5. Ability to maintain accurate, confidential records in compliance with state and federal laws.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Direct Student Services
  • Provide individual and small-group counseling addressing academic, personal, behavioral, and social-emotional needs;
  • Deliver classroom lessons on topics such as SEL, coping skills, conflict resolution, bullying prevention, career exploration, and responsible decision-making;
  • Identify at-risk students and implement targeted interventions and progress monitoring;
  • Support students in developing organizational, study, and time-management skills;
  • Respond to student crises and ensure immediate support, referral, and follow-up.
2. Consultation, Collaboration & School Support
  • Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to develop strategies for students experiencing academic or behavioral challenges;
  • Participate as a member of the School Leadership Team, MTSS/RTI Team, Attendance Team, and other school committees;
  • Serve as a liaison for parents/guardians regarding student concerns, available interventions, and community resources;
  • Partner with community agencies for student mental health, behavioral, and academic support services;
  • Make referrals to external providers when needed and coordinate follow-through and documentation.
3. Academic Planning & Career Development
  • Support student course selection processes and academic goal setting;
  • Help students understand their strengths, interests, and career pathways aligned to middle-to-high school transition planning;
  • Conduct interest inventories and career exploration activities;
  • Assist students in understanding academic expectations, assessments, and graduation pathway preparation.
4. Attendance, Behavior, and Crisis Support
  • Assist with school-based attendance monitoring and interventions, including outreach to students and families;
  • Support the implementation of the school's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and other behavior frameworks;
  • Participate in crisis response, mandatory reporting, safety planning, and follow-up in accordance with district and state procedures;
  • Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with FERPA, state law, and DCSS policies.
5. Data, Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintain accurate and confidential student records, including counseling notes, attendance interventions, referrals, and service logs;
  • Utilize data to identify student needs, monitor progress, and evaluate program effectiveness;
  • Prepare reports as requested by district leadership, administrators, or state agencies;
  • Ensure compliance with DCSS policies, the ASCA National Model, and state laws related to counseling and student services.
6. Professionalism & Other Duties
  • Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and adherence to the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors;
  • Participate in ongoing professional development to maintain certification and improve counseling practice;
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to lift and carry materials up to 25 lbs;
  • Ability to stand, walk, or move across the school campus frequently throughout the day;
  • Ability to respond promptly to student safety needs, emergencies, and crisis situations;
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.


REPORTS TO: Principal

SALARY RANGE: Competitive salary and excellent benefits package, in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed upon submission. To ensure consideration, please submit all required application materials for the counselor position by December 7, 2025.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY ONLINE.

THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY.

The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations.

Dougherty County School System uses Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.

About Us:

The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 21 schools (13 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative middle/high school), 4 learning centers, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognia. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.

Important Note:

This document provides descriptive information about the above Dougherty County School System position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.

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