Position Type:
District and School Support - Certified/ School Guidance Counselor

Date Posted:
7/11/2019

Location:
Mason-Clark Middle School
(High-Needs School)

Date Available:
08/12/2019

Closing Date:
Until Filled

DESCRIPTION :
Under the general direction of the middle school principal, the School Guidance Counselor supports students in improving making successful transitions into and out of the school including, but not limited to students new to the school, returning from alternative placement, or seeking college acceptance. The guidance counselor's principal task is to develop and implement developmental and preventative programs and services which assist students to enhance and improve their academic, personal-social and career exploration and planning knowledge and skills. The Counselor shall assist students, teachers, and parents by providing educational experiences which may enable them to become personally productive. Illinois State Professional Educator License is Required.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Current Illinois State Professional Educator License is Required
• Three years counseling experience, preferred
• Proficient or Excellent evaluation ratings for the past three consecutive years. At least one Excellent rating is preferred
• Experience working with high poverty students and families
• Experience in student transitions with emphasis on college readiness and attainment of scholarships

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

Knowledge of:

• Student transitions to new schools and/or academic levels
• Academic Interventions
• Family support strategies
• Graduation requirements and best practices in supporting student access to college and career ready education
• College admission requirements, FAFSA, and scholarship attainment

Ability to:

• Collect and manage data related to student progress
• Monitor graduation plans and implement necessary interventions
• Speak and write effectively

• Coordinate people and resources to improve outcomes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES : (Abilities Continued)

• Successfully relate to students and families
• Motivate students
• Coordinate efforts between students and post-secondary institutions
• Work in a team environment with teachers and other stakeholders

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : (Essential Job Functions)

Counsel with individual students.

Conduct group counseling sessions with students having similar problems.

Work closely with the classroom teachers by visiting with them regularly.

Conduct monthly classroom visitations to familiarize the students of special problems, dates, tests, scholarships, loans, grants, guidance activities, study trips, field trips, etc.

Plan and lead group orientation sessions on guidance services with students, teachers, and administrators.

Organize and serve on school guidance committees.

Serves as a resource person for the teaching staff.

Conduct appropriate research such as student surveys, and follow-up studies.

Maintain up-to-date guidance records on all student contracts.

Organize and maintain systematic file for student records.

Conduct parent conference and make home visitations when deemed necessary.

Be familiar with local social agencies, and when necessary make student referrals.

Refer students to those school community agencies whose specialized services are beyond the competency of the Counselor.

Administer and interpret tests.

Compile, organize, and forward test results to the central district testing office.

Assist in public relations by speaking to service clubs, youth groups, PTA's, church groups, etc.

Hold guidance staff meetings within assigned building area when necessary.

Serve as a consultant in developing an occupational information booklet.

Obtain speakers and resource persons from the community when requested by teachers, administrators, and students.

Follow-up on all contacts.

Promote leadership and responsibility of students by involving them in school activities.

Submit monthly report to the director and Building Principal.

Conduct year-end Survey of guidance Services for Program evaluation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Inside/outside standard office and school building environment
• Some travel within the district and professional meetings as required

HAZARDS/UNUSUAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent standing, sitting, walking, and lifting up to approximately 24 pounds. Possible contact with dissatisfied or angry individuals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB FUNCTIONS:
Standing 0-4 hours per day 1-7 hours per day
Walking 0-2 hours at a time 1-2 hours per day
Sitting 0-2 hours at a time 0-5 hours per day
Driving Occasionally Occasionally
Essential Functions Measured in Terms of Frequency
Please note: The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position, and additional duties may be assigned.