This position vacancy is for the current and/or upcoming school year. Current/immediate vacancies are at Bassett High School and Laurel Park Middle School, but additional school counselor vacancies may also be filled from this posting.

JOB TITLE: School Counselor 

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: School Principal

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the building principal, the school counselor plans and provides for appropriate services for students. Provides an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of all students. Monitors and evaluates student outcomes. Communicates and interacts with students, parents, staff and community. Develops, selects and modifies guidance lessons and materials to meet the needs of all students. Monitors appropriate use and care of equipment, materials and facilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides services to students in the areas of academic, personal/social and career development.
• Counsels students individually and in small groups.
• Conducts classroom guidance activities.
• Exposes students to career exploration and interest inventories.
• Reviews school data frequently to ensure that the school counseling program is meeting the academic, career and personal/social development of all students.
• Prepares reports, records, lists and all other required information and data.
• Encourages teacher/parent communication and community involvement.
• Assists students in conflict resolution.
• Manages crises.
• Assists in the identification of students with special needs.
• Refers students to intervention/remediation programs, as well as academic and alternative programs to ensure academic success and personal well-being.
• Interprets student records.
• Initiates student programs.
• Refers students to appropriate school personnel and community agencies.
• Participates in SST, Child Study and 504 meetings.
• Participates in parent/teacher conferences.
• Serves as a resource for school personnel and parents.
• Maintains a variety of files/records and departmental library of supplementary and reference materials.
• Follows required procedures and practices.
• Submits monthly time and task reports electronically.
• Attends division-wide counselor meetings.
• Participates in professional development activities.
• Performs related work as required.

Elementary School Only:

• Develops and maintains an effective school counseling program consistent with the school’s mission and goals as mandated by school board policy and the Office of Guidance Services and Student Records.
• Assists the building principal in developing and maintaining an effective educational program.
• Keeps the administration and Director of Student Support Services apprised of any problems encountered.
• Explains and interprets division-wide policies, goals and objectives to students, parents, and the community that impact students’ academic achievement and the school counseling program.
• Maintains an active public relations program for the school’s counseling department.
• Plans, organizes and directs implementation of all school counseling activities.
• Assists in the individual academic program planning of 5th grade students.
• Serves as the official representative for the department.
• Ensures school has a Guidance Advisory Committee.
• Serves with parents, faculty and other student groups, as requested, in advancing educational and related activities and objectives.
• Provides in-services for instructional staff.
• Creates school counseling calendar.

Middle School Only:

• Serves all students, but is specifically responsible for students in counselor caseload.
• Conducts individual student academic program planning.
• Begins 4-yr plans with rising 9th graders and discusses graduation requirements, diploma plans, verified credits, scholarships and financial aid.
• Informs students of all post-secondary options.
• Informs and prepares students for standardized testing (PSAT).
• Informs students about the importance of extracurricular activities.
• Keeps the guidance department chair apprised of any problems encountered.
• Participates in department’s school counseling activities.
• Participates in counselor-related school/division activities.

High School Only:

• Serves all students, but is specifically responsible for students in counselor caseload. 
• Conducts individual academic program planning and updating of 4-yr plans. 
• Prepares students for graduation including, but not limited to: scheduling, verification of Carnegie units/credits, verified credits, diploma plans and diploma seals. 
• Informs students of all post-secondary options. 
• Supports the scholarship chairperson by promoting scholarships. 
• Supports the college guide by promoting financial aid services and scholarships. 
• Assists students with the college application process (transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, resumes, college fair, etc.). 
• Assists students with post-secondary vocational and employment opportunities. 
• Informs students about the advantages of higher level courses (Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, etc.). 
• Prepares and informs students for standardized testing (PSAT, SAT, ACT, VPT). 
• Informs students about the importance of extracurricular activities. 
• Keeps the guidance department chair apprised of any problems encountered. 
• Participates in the department’s school counseling activities. 
• Participates in counselor related school/division activities (graduation, College Night, etc.).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Knowledge of counseling theories and skills, group dynamics, and small group processes; extensive knowledge of K-12 child and multicultural development; knowledge of K-12 instructional programs; knowledge of Virginia Standards of Learning; working knowledge of the juvenile justice system and laws that apply to juveniles; thorough knowledge of local, state and federal standards; demonstrates considerable knowledge of FERPA, IDEA, McKinney-Vento Act, ESL and laws concerning student rights and confidentiality, as well as, other state and federal mandates; working knowledge of student database systems; thorough knowledge of standardized testing and procedures and interpretation of scores; working knowledge of gifted and special education programs; knowledge of promotion and retention requirements; excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills; ability to work with administrators, colleagues, central office and school based staff, students, parents and community. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Must have completed a Master’s Degree from an approved school counselor education program and hold or be eligible to receive a license issued by the Virginia Department of Education with an endorsement in School Counselor Prek-12.

Henry County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position will be posted until filled.