QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Valid New Jersey Educational Services Certificate and School Counselor Endorsement or eligibility
2. Minimum experience as determined by the board; knowledge of computerized master schedule development desirable
3. Broad knowledge of testing and evaluation, theories of individual and group guidance techniques, elementary/secondary school guidance program design and career educational information and placement
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with students, parents, staff and community groups, and organizations
5. Required criminal history check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
6. Current residency in New Jersey, approved residency waiver or candidate agrees to obtain residency within one year of employment
REPORTS TO: Chief School Administrator/Principal, Supervisor of Special Services
JOB GOAL: To help students achieve personal fulfillment by providing them with guidance and counseling services to make successful personal, educational and occupational life plans.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct assistance to students
1. Demonstrates knowledge in the area of Social Emotional Learning and educating the whole child.
2. Works with students to explore interests, strengths, and talents.
3. Maintains a close relationship with the supervisor of special services and child study team following directives and recommendations as needed.
4. Maintains a close relationship with the assistant principal, school nurse, and the anti-bullying specialist following directives and recommendations as needed.
5. Welcomes new students to the school, provides orientation and information relative to school procedures, curriculum and extracurricular opportunities.
6. Provide school counseling services on a social, emotional, behavioral and academic level for all students. Help maintain and set goals for academic success through developmentally appropriate skills and understanding.
7. Provides for a smooth transition from elementary school to middle school, which may include orientation programs for students and parents.
8. Assists in the scheduling of student programs/classes.
9. Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with guidance services. Assists in the interpretation of assessment data on behalf of advancing student growth.
10. Serves as ready resource and advocate to students to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
11. Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
12. Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.
13. Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping.
14. Coordinates and leads Intervention and Referral Services as needed.
15. Works collaboratively with outside service agencies, facilitating communication to provide the most appropriate services for students.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
Ability to organize and coordinate work.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Office Management
1. Maintains a professional office environment.
2. When a co-worker is unavailable, whenever possible provides interim assistance to students or parents with urgent needs.
3. Maintains student records and ensures their confidentiality.
4. Works closely with teachers, administrators, and other professional staff members, providing information and assistance where needed for the ultimate benefit of students.
5. Gathers information on careers. Keeps this information accessible to students and parents in an organized arrangement.
6. Deals with confusion and emergencies in a friendly, supportive, calm manner. Assists agitated or confused students in re-composing themselves during situations where the student has a problem or personal setback.
Program Evaluation
1. Assists in the evaluation of current curriculum offerings and in the planning, selection and implementation of new course offerings.
2. Participates in follow-up studies of former students for the purpose of improving services and evaluating the effectiveness of the educational program being offered by the school.
3. Retains essential information for parents and students.
4. Shares research and findings with colleagues and students in order to improve counseling services.
Other
1. Maintains professional competence and continuous improvement through inservice education and other professional growth activities.
2. Performs other duties within the scope of his/her employment and certification as may be assigned.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary and work year to be determined by the board.
Leave replacement position/non-tenured position