POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary function of a Professional School Counselor is to provide a comprehensive school counseling program that enhances the learning process, provides support for social and emotional growth, and promotes career / college development in order to become contributing citizens of our community.

Utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, Professional School Counselors promote student success, provide proactive services, and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career, and personal/social development for all students.

School counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possesses or qualify for a Virginia Collegiate Professional license with specific endorsement in the area to which assigned.
2. Possesses outstanding knowledge and skill in the assigned instructional area and demonstrates enthusiasm for teaching and the learning process.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of instructional strategies and skills related to scientifically-based research and its implementation.
4. Native or near-native proficiency in spoken and written Spanish and English.
5. Proficiency in the use of a variety of instructional technology including computers with experience in Microsoft Office, email and other applications.  
6. Emotionally mature, objective and sensitive to people and their concerns.  Able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, families, staff, co-workers and community agencies.

1. Effectively demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions and possesses a
2. Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
3. Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks.  Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.  Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.  
5. Excellent interpersonal skills.
6. Proficiency in the use of a variety of office/instructional equipment and technology with experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and email.
7. Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master's degree from an approved program in school counseling or a master's degree from an accredited college or university and completed an approved school guidance and counseling program.

Must possess or be eligible for the Virginia Department of Education endorsement in School Counseling.

PROGRAM

Development and Management of a Comprehensive School Counseling Program

Communicates the goals of the comprehensive school counseling program to education stakeholders.

Maintains current and appropriate resources for education stakeholders.

Uses data to develop comprehensive programs that meet student needs.

Elementary and Middle 

Uses the majority of time providing direct services. (80% in Counseling/Guidance Curriculum, Individual Student Planning, and Preventive and Responsive Services, 20% of time in program management, system support and accountability as recommended by the ASCA National Model.

Delivery of a Comprehensive School Counseling Program

Counseling Curriculum

Implements developmentally appropriate and proactive group activities to meet student needs and school goals.

Organizes orientation/transition programs and activities between elementary, middle and high school levels and for new students throughout the year.

Provides leadership and collaborates with other educators in the school-wide integration of the Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia.

Implements transition programs and activities between elementary, middle and school.

Develops interventions based on current research in emotional and social development.

High School

Regularly shares up-to-date information on post-secondary planning to students at each level.

Provides presentations and workshops on post-secondary planning for students and families: Super FAFSA Night, ECMC College Night, Virginia College Application Week, Electives Fair, Course Offerings / Scheduling Updates, Orientation, etc...

Facilitates and/or participates in circle discussions with students and staff on topics pertinent to the school community.

Individual Student Planning

Collaborates with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with educational, personal, social, and emotional development.

Advocates for the social and emotional well-being of all students.

Develops, monitors and revises academic, career, and personal / social skills goals and plans for all students.

Elementary

Provides individual and group counseling to students with identified concerns and needs.

Middle/High School

Utilizes student academic, career, and personal / social skills plans to appropriately place students in academic programs and classes.

Regularly consults with students on post-secondary planning.

Accurately maintains and appropriately interprets/utilizes student data.

Collaborates with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with educational, career, and life planning.

Maintains updated records on students’ graduation requirements.

Communicates students’ progress towards graduation with students and their parents/guardians.

Proactive and Responsive Services

Provides individual and group counseling to students with identified concerns and needs.

Provides leadership, intervention and support when crisis counseling is necessary.

Consults and collaborates effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs.

Refers students and their parents to appropriate resources within the school to provide follow-up services.

Collaborates with Child Study, SPED and ESL teams to identify and support students in need of services.

Conducts assessments to determine threats of abuse and self-harm/suicide risk.

Reports suspected abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services.

Collaborates with community agencies, counselors, and medical professionals to provide follow up services for students.

Conducts home visits to support student needs.

Accurately and appropriately uses assessment procedures for determining and structuring individual and group counseling services.

Supports students in resolving interpersonal conflicts through mediation and conferencing.

High School

Serves on the Interdisciplinary Truancy Team and the Student Assistance Program Team

System Support

Provides appropriate information to school personnel related to the comprehensive school counseling program.

Assists teachers, parents/guardians, and other stakeholders in interpreting and understanding student data.

Participates in professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills.

Uses available technology resources to enhance the school counseling program.

Adheres to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession.

Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.

Performs other duties as assigned

Integral member of the Trauma Informed Care Team

Promotes and supports social and emotional learning activities.

Elementary

Leads Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and supports Morning Meetings.

Leads Effective Schools Correlate Committee

Middle and High School

Assists in developing a master schedule that meets the needs of all students.

Accountability for the Comprehensive School Counseling Program

Ensures implementation of a Comprehensive School Counseling Program.

Collects and analyzes data to guide program direction and emphasis.

Measures results of the comprehensive school counseling program activities and shares results as appropriate with relevant stakeholders.

Monitors student academic performance, behavior, and attendance and facilitates appropriate interventions.

Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

 Knowledge of counseling theories and skills, group dynamics, and small group processes.

Working knowledge of the ASCA Model.

Knowledge of K-12 instructional programs.

Knowledge of Virginia Standards of Learning.

Working knowledge regarding laws concerning student rights and confidentiality.

Working knowledge of student database systems.

Working knowledge of gifted and special education programs.

Knowledge of relevant School Board policies and regulations.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to collaborate with administrators, colleagues, central office and school based staff, students, parents and community.

Emotional intelligence and maturity

Objectivity and sensitivity to people and their concerns.

Knowledge of cultural diversity and ability to work equitably with people of varied cultures, abilities, education level and socio-economic backgrounds.

Understanding of best practices in Trauma Informed Care

Ability to keep up-to-date records and documentation

Thorough knowledge of standardized testing and procedures and interpretation of scores.

High School

Thorough knowledge of graduation requirements as outlined by the Virginia Department of Education

Understanding of post-secondary education / career options

Awareness of the needs of current labor market

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Takes all industry standard precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
2. Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.
3. Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
4. Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
5. Maintains confidentiality when appropriate.
6. Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, procedures, and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
7. Effectively performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.  Regular travel throughout the school and effectively interact with students, staff, and the school community.  Regular contact with staff members is required.  Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of administrative or licensed personnel.

The above is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this position.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and meet the demands of this position.