An Academic or Guidance Counselor provides guidance to students in elementary, middle and high schools to help them succeed academically and socially. Works with school teachers and administrators to address problems that affect student performance, and identifies resources for students and families. Helps high school students to plan academic course work and advises on the college search and application process.
Develop and deliver school counseling curriculum Assist students in the areas of academic, career, and personal/social development Collaborate with faculty, staff, and parents to better understand and meet the needs of all students Provide individual and small group counseling as needed Make appropriate referrals of students and parents to outside agencies and specialists when necessary Make self a visible body in school by participating in a variety of activities that contribute to the school's effectiveness Continually plan, evaluate, and revise the school counseling program Pursue continuous professional development and growth Promote an understanding and appreciation for diverse populations Develop, review, and revise a career and educational plan for each student Monitor and advise students and parents as to progress toward promotion and graduation Prepare students for transition to the next level (middle to high school, high school to post-high school)
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
COUNSELING Provide individual planning sessions for each student in the areas of academic planning and career awareness Assist in transition to high school and post-secondary options Interpret tests, student data, and other assessments and appropriately discuss results with students and/or parents/guardians Assist students in times of emotional need and/or crisis
CONSULTING
Provide information and skills to parents, school staff, administration, and the community to assist them in helping students with academic, career, and social development Assist parents in addressing school-related problems; refer parents to outside agencies and specialists when necessary Inform parents and students of test results and their implications for educational and career planning Utilize resources available within the school and community to develop appropriate programs
COORDINATING
Plan and coordinate programs such as career and college fairs, scholarship programs, and other extensions of the counseling curriculum Coordinate and assist with student testing programs (PSAT, PLAN, PSAE, AP, etc) Coordinate parent education programs to assist students in making smooth transitions from middle to high school and planning post-secondary options Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings and make appropriate referrals to outside agencies and other service providers within the school system
CURRICULUM AWARENESS
Maintain knowledge of the Urbana High School curriculum Maintain knowledge and understanding of school graduation requirements
INDIVIDUAL PLANNING
Systematically develop student planning for high school and post-high school Address objectives for each grade level as needed Monitor student progress toward graduation and post-secondary goals Assist students with college and career planning
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Articulate the school counseling program to students, parents, teachers, staff and community Develop and maintain skills needed to utilize technology systems and participate in professional development opportunities
SCHOOL SYSTEM
Participate in school decision-making and in activities that contribute to the effectiveness of the school Cooperate and collaborate with other professionals to enhance the education of students. Communicate with administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and students as to the role of the school counselor in the overall educational process
PROFESSIONALISM
Adhere to the ethical standards of state and national school counselor associations Demonstrate knowledge of local policies and state and federal laws pertaining to school counseling Demonstrate personal growth and professional development in the area of school counseling
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION Hold a master's degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university program Meet the Illinois certification requirements for school counselor Bilingual (Spanish-speaking) preferred, but not required
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary and Benefit information can be found on the Human Resources webpage. There are many opportunities for employees to earn additional compensation (stipends, differentials, extra duty pay, etc.) during the regular school year and in the summer. This is a position within the collective bargaining unit and is not an administrative position. This is an exempt position. Teacher's schedule; additional days after to make schedules and/or provide counseling as needed by the school district.
EVALUATION
The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on the evaluation of professional personnel.
