Licensed Guidance Counselor

Job Summary: The Guidance Counselor oversees a variety of counseling roles throughout the District. The Counselor is responsible for supporting instructional staff, students, and parents by implementing comprehensive school counseling programs. These programs address identified student needs in academic support, college, and career guidance, and provide individual or group counseling services. 

Assignment:  Certified 

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Job Requirements: 

1. Conducts individual and group counseling services for students.

2. Leads groups focusing on topics such as friendship, grief, social skill development, family issues, and ADD/ADHD support.

3. Interview students to determine the appropriateness of group placement.

4. Creates lessons tailored to specific student needs.

5. Provides prevention and intervention activities to meet student needs.

6. Meets with students individually to problem-solve and build skills to address issues.

7. Directs conflict resolution sessions between students to facilitate issue clarification and conflict handling.

8. Coordinates the Peer Mentoring program to aid in student transitions from elementary to secondary school and between buildings.

9. Coordinates building activities related to state testing preparation and delivery. Plans and conducts MDE or district-mandated standardized testing within the building.

10. Coordinates the school guidance curriculum, including planning, implementing, facilitating, and evaluating guidance tasks.

11. Assists students individually or in groups with planning in the areas of academics, careers, personal/social skills, goals, and plans.

12. Collaborates with parents and staff to assist students with educational and career planning.

13. Assists students with college planning and preparation, providing recommendations for college applications and scholarship opportunities.

14. Helps students acquire study skills, academic opportunities, and benefits.

15. Consult and collaborate with instructional staff, parents, community services, social workers, police liaisons, and other professionals to address concerns and make appropriate referrals.

16. Coordinates the student assistance team and proctors student testing (e.g., BST, MCS, PSAT, ACT, MAP, PSEO).

17. Assists in registering new students and orienting them to school procedures and placement. Conducts new student groups to welcome them to the district, provides tours, and outlines programs and educational opportunities.

18. Represents the department at various building and district meetings (e.g., site meetings, team meetings, special education meetings).

19. Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.

20. Provides professional expertise and assistance to individuals, other district staff, and the community concerning areas of expertise and knowledge.

21. Attends training sessions, conferences, seminars, and district and departmental meetings.

22. Keeps abreast of developments, trends, and advancements in counseling and educational technology.

23.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Skills required include the ability to perform multiple tasks and the potential to upgrade skills to meet changing job conditions.

1. Advanced knowledge of educational, personal, and career counseling principles, trends, methods, and procedures.

2. Knowledge of district educational and administrative policies and procedures.

3. Knowledge of educational, career, and personal development resources; standardized testing; graduation requirements; and curriculum standards.

4. Knowledge of crisis intervention concepts, principles, and techniques.

5. Understanding of the fundamentals, concepts, methods, and techniques of quantitative and qualitative statistics.

6. Knowledge of laws, statutes, or guidelines related to data privacy, ethical standards of school counseling, and relevant duties.

7. Familiarity with career inventories and college requirements.

8. Awareness of community and referral sources.

9. Proficiency in using office productivity software and applications for maintaining student records, files, and communications.

10. Skilled in the application and use of statistical, diagnostic, and standardized evaluation tools and methodologies in personal and guidance counseling.

11. Effective interpersonal and group communication skills.

12. Expertise in providing educational and career counseling, as well as personal and crisis counseling.

13. Ability to analyze and assess students’ needs, problems, and issues.

14. Proficiency in monitoring students’ credits for graduation.

15. Experience in leading and facilitating group sessions.

16. Competence in administering, evaluating, and interpreting diagnostic/achievement or vocational/interest tests.

17. Skilled in communicating and collaborating with parents, teachers, students, and administration regarding student needs, achievements, and social/personal concerns.  
     

Supervision of Other Employees: 

This position is not responsible for the supervision of other District employees.

Working Environment: 

Duties are generally performed in a typical classroom or school setting with minimal environmental hazards and risks. Occasionally, employees may be exposed to disagreeable conditions involving contact with students, parents, or other individuals.

Physical requirements include:

• Standing, using hands dexterously, reaching with hands and arms, and lifting up to 20 pounds (1-33% of the time, occasionally).

• Walking and sitting (34-66% of the time, frequently).

• Talking or hearing (67-100% of the time, continuously).

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

1. Master’s Degree in School Counseling, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.

Experience:

2. Completion of assigned internship, practicum, or relevant experience in school counseling.

Licensure:

3. Licensed Counselor in the State of Minnesota.

This description outlines the general nature and expected responsibilities of the position. Employees may be required to perform additional job-related duties as requested by their supervisor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability. EOE. Open until filled.