School Counselor

Job Title: School Counselor

Reports To: Principal

Purpose: The School Counselor provides a comprehensive school counseling program that supports the academic achievement, career development, and social-emotional growth of all students. The counselor collaborates with students, families, school personnel, and community agencies to remove barriers to learning and help students achieve success in school and beyond.

Qualifications

Hold or be eligible to hold a North Carolina School Counselor License.
Master's degree in School Counseling from an accredited institution.
Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish effective relationships with students, staff, parents, and community partners.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, policies, and regulations related to education and student services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Development

Implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the North Carolina Comprehensive School Counseling Standard Course of Study.
Assist students in developing academic goals and educational plans.
Monitor student progress and provide interventions to support academic success.
Collaborate with teachers and administrators to identify and address barriers to student achievement.
Analyze student data to guide counseling services and interventions.

Career Development

Assist students in exploring career interests, aptitudes, and postsecondary opportunities.
Provide career awareness, exploration, and planning activities.
Support students in developing graduation plans and postsecondary transition goals.
Coordinate activities related to college, career, and military readiness.

Social-Emotional Development

Provide individual and small-group counseling services to address student needs.
Deliver classroom guidance lessons focused on social-emotional learning and personal development.
Support students in developing positive interpersonal relationships and effective decision-making skills.
Assist students in crisis situations and provide appropriate referrals when necessary.

Consultation and Collaboration

Collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and support staff to promote student success.
Participate in multidisciplinary teams and problem-solving meetings.
Serve as a liaison between school, home, and community agencies.
Coordinate referrals to outside agencies and community resources as appropriate.

Program Management

Develop, implement, and evaluate a data-driven school counseling program.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records in accordance with federal and state laws.
Participate in school improvement initiatives and professional development activities.
Prepare reports and maintain documentation as required by district, state, and federal guidelines.
Support attendance improvement efforts and student retention initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

Assist with student registration, scheduling, and transitions as assigned.
Participate in crisis response, threat assessment, and safety planning activities.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the principal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of counseling theories, techniques, and best practices.
Ability to assess student needs and develop appropriate interventions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations.
Proficiency in technology applications related to counseling and student services.

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Ability to move throughout the school campus and participate in school activities.
Ability to communicate effectively in person and electronically.

Evaluation: Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the North Carolina Professional School Counselor Standards and local board policies.

DISCLAIMER: Statements of the job descriptions are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this category. The description does not contain an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills and other requirements necessary of employees to perform in this position.

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