QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree and a valid, current Pennsylvania state certification in School Counseling.

Experience in educational and/or mental health setting.

Ability to communicate effectively; both written and verbal.

Other qualifications to the above that the Board may find acceptable and appropriate.

REPORTS TO: Principal

SUPERVISES: Not applicable

JOB GOAL: To prepare all students for future success by removing barriers to learning and creating equitable access to a rigorous education through application of advocacy, leadership and collaboration skills via a data-driven, comprehensive school counseling program based on standards in academic, career and social/emotional development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Apply leadership, advocacy and collaboration skills as part of a comprehensive school counseling program to promote student achievement and systemic change.

Collaborate with teachers and parents on early identification and intervention of children's academic and social/emotional needs to remove barriers to learning and develop skills and behaviors critical for academic achievement.

Prepare all students for future success via implementation and evaluation of the district's comprehensive school counseling program.

Use the ASCA National Model and the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success to guide work in addressing students' academic, career and social/emotional development while considering how student standards important to state and district initiatives complement and inform practice. For example, application of the PA State Career Education & Work Standards (CEWs) is relevant to the role of the School Counselor.

Define and focus the comprehensive school counseling program based on the school's academic, attendance and behavioral data.

Use data to identify student needs.

Provide the following direct services to students:School counseling core curriculum via classroom instruction and group activities

Individual student planning

Responsive services such as planned, short-term and goal-focused counseling in individual or small group settings; recognize and respond to student mental health needs and assist students and families seeking resources; and crisis response

Provide the following indirect student services:

Consultation—share strategies supporting student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations

Collaboration—work with other educators, parents and the community to support student achievement

Referrals—support for students and families to school or community resources for additional assistance and information

Maintain the highest standard of integrity, leadership and professionalism based on the principles of ethical behavior specified by the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors.

Incorporate organizational assessments and tools to manage efficient and effective school counseling practices.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Maintain confidential student records.

Maintain and disseminate accurate student records, according to District guidelines.

Oversee implementation and compliance of Section 504 Accommodation Plans according to District guidelines.

Conduct home visits.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Board's request

EVALUATION: Evaluation will be determined according to the District's Professional Evaluation Plan – Observation/Supervision/Evaluation

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

Physical Demands:

Sitting for limited periods of time.

Standing and walking for periods of time.

Occasional kneeling, bending, crouching, stooping and squatting.

Managing stress.

Lifting up to fifteen pounds.

Sensory Abilities:

Interact effectively with school environment.

Temperament:

Work equally well independently and as a member of a team.

Independent in maintaining effective work patterns.

Respond promptly and calmly in emergency situations.

Respond/interact diplomatically in aggressive or threatening situations.

Mental Demands:

Interpret detailed written and verbal communications.

Extract, manipulate, and evaluate student data.

Frequent fast-paced, high-pressure situations.

Environment:

Normal office environment.

Exposure to dangerous situations.