General Description
School Counselors work with students to help them develop academically, personally and socially and to assist in career development through individual and group counseling, as well as classroom guidance sessions. Counselors consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to provide students with the resources and services to help them to be the best possible learners. In addition, they serve as a liaison between school, community agencies, and post-secondary opportunities.
Essential Job Functions
Academic/Educational Development:
Assisting students to achieve school success and develop skills to engage in life-long learning. Counsels students (individual and group) in the areas of academic, career, and personal/social concerns.
- Provides programs, activities, and services that focus on helping children experience healthy growth academically, socially, and for future success.
- Publicizes and coordinates information to students and parents regarding student opportunities such as enrichment programs, scholarships, special programs, etc.
Personal/Social Development:
Assisting students to successfully use interpersonal, intrapersonal, and social skills
- Serves as an advocate for students and works to promote a healthy school climate and a safe learning environment
- Collaborates/consults with parents, teachers, administrators, and community resources concerning student issues
- Assists with crisis intervention and in identifying and implementing prevention and intervention programs for students
Career Development:
Assisting students to become aware of life/career choices and participate in career development activities to prepare for the world of work
- Offers guidance sessions on problem-solving, decision-making, and academic and career planning.
- Assists students with course selection (secondary) relative to their educational pursuits and career goals.
- Coordinates participation in career-related activities.
- Demonstrates commitment to improving professional competence.
- Assesses student learning continuously and alters instruction to meet group/individual needs.
- Uses the curriculum of the district to plan daily instructional activities.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Working knowledge of appropriate counseling interventions in a school setting, with special emphasis on the study of interpersonal relationships, facilitative skills, brief counseling, group dynamics, group learning activities, family systems, peer helper programs, multicultural and cross-cultural helping approaches, crisis intervention techniques and educational and community sources for special school populations. Working knowledge of the concepts, principles, and methodologies of instruction. Working knowledge of academic curriculum and methodologies of instruction. Demonstrated ability to communicate with others effectively, both orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability in crisis intervention, decision-making, problem analysis, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, planning, and multi-tasking.
Requirements
Post-graduate certification/licensure/endorsement in School Counseling by the Virginia Department of Education. Master’s degree with an emphasis in guidance and counseling.