School Counselor

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SCHOOLS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:

School Counselor

FLSA:

Exempt Professional

REPORTS TO:

Principal

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

10-month employee

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED: Must have a Master's Degree Must have a Postgraduate Professional License Must have Virginia licensure as School Counselor Pre-kindergarten (PK)-12 PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university and possession of or ability to obtain a Virginia postgraduate professional license with an endorsement as a school counselor and some experience in counseling.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of school counseling; thorough knowledge of special education policies and procedures; thorough knowledge of standardized testing procedures; thorough knowledge of school administration; thorough knowledge of community agencies available to serve and assist students; general knowledge of casework methods and procedures; ability to conduct interview sessions effectively and to analyze attitudes and problems objectively; ability to counsel students and parents on sensitive problems and to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and outside agencies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs difficult professional work advising, assisting, orienting, testing and counseling students; consults with and reports to parents, teachers, administrators and support personnel; does related work as required. Work is performed under the general supervision of the school Principal.

Counsels with students on an individual and/or group basis. Consults, orients and conducts training with parents individually and in small groups by telephone and in person. Prepares and presents sessions to students regarding personal growth, school adjustment, career development, self-concept, attendance and related matters. Provides scheduled and spontaneous discussions with teachers, administrators, parents and outside agency personnel; Provides classroom group counseling sessions. Participates in child study and eligibility committees for special education. Registers students and provides orientation regarding procedures and expectations, advises on subject selection. Schedules, keeps records and administers tests, reports and interprets test results for students, parents and administrators. Provides academic counseling. Counsels students in the solution of personal problems, explores possible interventions and strategies on matters such as physical, mental or substance abuse, rape, pregnancy or suicide Provides information on programs and services regarding college, employment and other alternatives. Serves as liaison with school and community services, court services, social services, etc. Verifies rank and grade point averages; maintains records and generates reports using the Student Information System. Prepares and maintains enrollment and scheduling information and assists in recognition and other incentive programs. May serve as school Test Coordinator. Performs related tasks as required. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Attends all meetings and training sessions as directed Assists administrators with the administration and interpretation of standardized tests scores for students and parents Facilitates informational evening sessions for parents regarding financial aid, Advanced Placement coursework, and college night Attends Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 meetings Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal or his/her designee