General Description

School Counselors work with students to help them develop academically, personally and socially and to assist in career development through individual and group counseling, as well as classroom guidance sessions.Counselors consult with parents, teachers, administrators and other professionals to provide students with the resources and services to help them to be the best possible learners.In addition, they serve as a liaison between school, community agencies and post-secondary opportunities.

Essential Job Functions

• Assisting students to achieve school success and develop skills to engage in life-long learning.
• Counsels students (individual and group) in the areas of academic, career, and personal/social concerns.
• Provides programs, activities and services which focus on helping children experience healthy growth academically, socially and for future success.
• Collaborates/consults with parents, teachers, administrators and community resources concerning student issues.
• Offers guidance sessions as needed on test-taking, study skills, responsibility, peer pressure, bullying, problem-solving, decision-making and academic and career planning.
• Provides assistance to teacher and staff in the early identification of students' academic and/or personal difficulties.
• Provides transition and orientation services for students and parents.
• Conferences with and provides information, support and counseling for parents.
• Assist in supervising the maintenance of student records insuring confidentiality.
• Assists students with course selection relative to their educational pursuits and career goals.
• Conducts school-wide programs designed to address specific needs presented by students in individual schools.
• Interprets test data for students, parents and teachers.
• Assisting students to successfully use interpersonal and social skills.
• Serves as an advocate for students and works to promote a healthy school climate and safe learning environment.
• Assists with crisis intervention and in identifying and implementing prevention and intervention programs for students.
• Counselors support the total school community by serving on school and district committees.
• Counselors initiate and maintain an effective liaison with professional societies to keep abreast of developments and research in the profession.

Qualifications

Requires multi-tasking.Working knowledge of appropriate counseling interventions in a school setting, with special emphasis on the study of interpersonal relationships, facilitative skills, brief counseling, group dynamics and group learning activities, of family systems, peer helper programs, multi-cultural and cross-cultural helping approaches, crisis intervention techniques and educational and community resources for special school populations.Working knowledge of the concepts, principles and methodologies of instruction.Working knowledge of academic curriculum and methodologies of instruction.Demonstrated ability to communicate with others effectively, both orally and in writing.Demonstrated abilities in crisis intervention, decision-making, problem analysis, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships and planning.

Requirements

Post-graduate certification/licensure/endorsement in School Counseling by the Virginia Department of Education.Master's degree with emphasis in guidance and counseling.