JOB TITLE: Junior High School Counselor (Grades 6-8)

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Traits of successful applicants include a passion for working with adolescents, a collaborative approach to the education process, trauma-informed training, be energetic, have effective organizational and time management skills.
2. Meet all legal and state requirements established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for a MS or HS Counselor's certificate. (If the candidate is working toward a certification in counseling, we encoutrage you to apply).
3. Successful experience in public education, with a minimum of two years as a classroom teacher.
4. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board of Education may find appropriate. 
5. The individual must possess effective communication skills with students, parents, and other staff members.

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

 

JOB GOAL: To provide a comprehensive guidance program for the students in grade levels to be determined that includes a guidance curriculum, individual planning, responsive services, and system support with a possible emphasis on preparation for transition to Post-Secondary Training.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Implement the appropriate grade-level guidance curriculum.

     a. Conduct guidance learning activities in the classroom or guidance center as planned with the input of the school           

         administration and teachers.

     b. Act as a resource person for the teachers to assist with the implementation of 

         the guidance learning activities into the regular classroom curriculum.

 

2. Guide and counsel individual students, as well as groups, through the development of

    educational and/or career plans.

     a. Assist with the orientation of new students to the school.

     b. As needed, guide students in evaluating and updating their four-year plan annually to determine their current status     

         for graduation.

     c. Assist in the registration and enrollment of students.

     d. Guide groups, individuals, and parents on how to use test results for education and/or career planning.

     e. As needed, guide all students in developing tentative career plans.

     f. As needed, assist with scholarships, financial aid, and college admissions applications.

     g. As needed, coordinate the selection of a student for Missouri Scholars Academy and Missouri Fine Arts Academy.

     h. Coordinate selection of students for various outside leadership training opportunities.

 

3. Counsel small groups and individual students with problems.

     a. Conduct counseling sessions to meet the needs of groups of or individual students. Topics for these sessions may     

         include sexuality issues, suicide, substance abuse, self-concept, academic problems, attendance and behavior

         problems, peer problems, and family issues.

     b. Act as an advocate for students in conjunction with the other staff as appropriate.

 

4. Coordinate, conduct, or participate in activities that contribute to the operation of the school.

     a. Interpret group test results for the faculty and staff.

     b. Assist in the placement of students with special needs in the appropriate programs (i.e.special education, gifted, 

         learning disabilities, 504 plans, etc.).

     c. Participate as a team member in the implementation of the district testing program by coordinating PLAN test, ACT

        Test, ASVAB Test, and EOC testing.

 

5. Consult with teachers, staff, and parents regarding the developmental needs of students.

     a. Participate in staffings.

     b. Conduct in-service programs for faculty and staff.

     c. Conduct and participate in conferences with teachers, students, and parents.

     d. Assist families with school-related problems.

     e. Provide opportunities for parent education programs.

 

6. Refer students with severe problems to the appropriate community agencies in consultation with their parents and school administration.

     a. Consult with school personnel such as nurses and administrators.

     b. Consult with the community agencies such as mental health agencies, physicians, and service agencies.

 

7. As needed, assists with public relations programs in the community.

 

8. Evaluate and revise the building guidance program.

     a. Review with the staff and administration the guidance program.

     b. Evaluate the guidance learning activities.

     c. Review and revise the guidance calendar to meet the needs of the guidance program.

 

9. Pursue professional growth.

     a. Attend state and local staff development programs.

     b. Join professional organizations (MSCA, AACD, etc.).

     c. Read current professional journals.

     d. Attend relevant workshops and conferences sponsored by professional organizations.

 

10. Assume such other duties as assigned by the supervisor or administrative personnel.

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary, workday, and year to be established by the Board of Education. Salary is based on years of experience and degree. Counselors will be employed for additional days beyond the normal teaching contract year with the number of days being determined upon hire. 

 

SALARY:

The Kingston K-14 School District Honors all years earned from another district(s), the couseling position has 20 days extended contract, great benefits, and our Teacher Base is $40,000. 

EVALUATION:

The performance of this job will be evaluated utilizing a performance-based system according to the Board of Education Policy for certificated personnel.