Houston County Board of Education

Job Description

Certified Positions

                                                                               

 

Job Title   High School Counselor                      Job Code ___402_____________

 

Department/Location  Assigned School__        FLSA Status  Exempt__

 

Reports To   School Level Principal                   Date   November 5, 2006

 

 

 

Summary and relationship to the curriculum:  Secondary school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement by helping students work through academic and social problems and by assisting them in academic and career planning.   In a collaborative role, this position imparts specific skills and learning opportunities in a productive and preventative manner which ensures that all students achieve in accordance with the system’s mission. 

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provides academic skills support; organizational, study and test-taking skills development; coping strategies; education in understanding self and others; peer relationships and social skills strategies; communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution strategies; substance abuse education; opportunities for multicultural/diversity awareness; and opportunities for career awareness.

 

2. Assists students with post secondary planning and the college application process, career planning, and opportunities for career awareness.

 

3. Provides information and support for student transition plans and individual plan of action.

 

4. Participates in professional development, collaboration, program management, and school operations.

 

5. Develops a written school-based guidance and counseling program.

 

6. Counsels learners by actively listening, identifying and defining issues, discussing alternative solutions, and formulating a plan of action.

 

7. Schedules time to coordinate and provide individual and small-group counseling, individual/family/school crisis intervention, conflict resolution, consultation/collaboration, and referrals.

 

8. Consults and coordinates with staff, parents, and community resources.

 

9. Follows federal and state laws, and Board policies.

 

10. Follows state rules governing school counseling and guidance services.

 

11. Performs any other duties as requested by the principal.

 

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

 

1. Education and/or Experience: Master’s Degree in School Guidance and Counseling. Five years of professional teaching in a classroom setting preferred.
2. Certificate or License Required: Valid Georgia Professional Certificate in School Counseling.                                                      
3. Language Skills: Must have exceptional problem resolution skills, ability to apply guidance and counseling principles to support the understanding of learning and behavior, ability to relay technical information to others in understandable terms, and ability to work effectively with colleagues and staff.  Must have ability to write professional correspondences and reports.  Must have ability to effectively present information in one-to-one and group situations to students, parents, school personnel and community agencies.
4. Mathematical Skills: Must have knowledge and understanding of general statistical procedures.  Must have ability to collect and analyze assessment data, predict outcomes, formulate strategies for obtaining a desired result, and report/present findings in print and chart/graph.      
5. Reasoning Ability: Must be able to facilitate the problem solving processes. Must have ability to synthesize workable options from given facts, and assist in the development of workable solutions to address concerns.
6. Technical Ability: Must have considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office Products.  Knowledge of research methodology is desirable.
7. Customer Service Skills: Must be capable of interacting effectively with administrators, teachers, staff members, students, parents, and the general public using tactful and helpful customer service.      

                                         

 

Professional Requirements:  Must serve as a role model to students.  Desirable personal characteristics are required. Appropriate dress and grooming consistent with established standards required.  Must be at work on time.  Must meet attendance standards.  Must conduct activities safely. 

 

 

Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and lift.  Occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel.  The employee must be able to exert or lift up to 50 pounds.

 

 

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

 

 

Confidential Data Exposure:   The nature of this position entails exposure to confidential data.  Confidentiality must be held regarding financial and personal information. 

 

Additional Requirement:  Must be at work on time.  Must meet attendance standards.  Must conduct activities safely. 

 

 

Prepared By    Dr. Ruth O’Dell                                Date     November 5, 2006

 

Approved By Board of Education ________           Date  March 13, 2007_______

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                               

 

Revision Dates:  03-13-07