JOB GOAL: The School Counselor is responsible for guiding students in ways to overcome problems that impede learning or that may interfere with achieving the fullest benefits from the school’s educational opportunities by assisting them in the self-understanding, decision-making and adjusting to school, personally and academically. The School Counselor creates a comprehensive school counseling program that is preventative in design, developmental in implementation, and supports students in the areas of academic achievement, individual student planning, and personal and social development. The incumbent also serves as a consultant to educators, families, and community partners.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES shall include, but not be limited to the following:

• Develop and implement an all-encompassing a counseling plan with modern methods of teaching and mentoring
• Conduct individual group counseling on a variety of topics as needed by students, teachers, administration, and parents; when necessary
• Monitor and observe students to identify and address personal, emotional, social and
• educational issues
• When appropriate, make necessary referrals to school psychologist, social workers, school nurse and other personnel
• Maintain a current directory of referral services to be utilized in crisis situations affecting students such as suicidal threats, alcohol or drug-induced traumas, etc.
• Maintain written records
• Assist in the development and management of the school’s academic schedule to include enrollment, schedule changes, student class assignments, etc.
• Assist students to evaluate career interests and options
• Be available to conduct in-service programs for faculty
• Be available for consultation and provide consulting services for teachers, administrators and staff
• Assist teachers and administration in determining the causes of inappropriate student behavior
• Evaluate student progress and reinforce the sense of accomplishment
• Create and establish 504 plans for students with assistance from parents, teachers, and administration
• Attend regular Student Study Team meetings, Special Education IEP and MET meetings when appropriate
• Prepares students for the transition to the next level: middle school, high school, college, or other activities
• Assist students in writing applications for scholarships, college, and jobs
• Assists K-12 Principal of a development of student schedules and master schedules
• Plans and coordinates programs such as career fairs, test preparation, improved/perfect attendance celebrations and other extensions of the counseling program.
• Maintain and execute the highest level of confidentially according to FERPA Laws
• Maintain and execute role as a Mandatory Reporter as required by law
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Education and Certificates

Fingerprint Clearance Card, and

Master’s Degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or education, or related field from an accredited university and a valid Arizona counselor certificate

* Depending upon instructional needs, a Counselor may be assigned to support students at multiple school sites.