LEBANON SCHOOL DISTRICT JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: School Counselor SERVICE RANGE: Elementary, Middle School/High School ADOPTION: REVISION: BASIC FUNCTION The School Counselor plans and administers the guidance program to provide support services for students to successfully complete instructional programs and classroom operations in compliance with guidelines and regulations determined by the administration, Board of Directors, state and federal agencies. He/She will assist the staff in creating an environment that encourages learning, motivates students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to establish and continue a firm foundation to perpetuate the appropriate learning experience through the post secondary education and/or career opportunities. The School Counselor will utilize all resources available to establish a cooperative relationship with parents, students, staff members and administrators to support each student’s opportunity to learn and grow in educational and life experiences. The position of School Counselor is a 199-day position and shall include active participation in the school's operation to support a positive learning environment. This position reports to and is evaluated annually by the Building Principal and/or his/her designee. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE The requirements for this position are a minimum of a master’s degree and appropriate Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification and qualifications prescribed by law, to include NO Child Left Behind (NCLB). KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The School Counselor will demonstrate proficiency with the LSD educational curriculum, Benchmarks, PA Standards and appropriate assessment. He/she will strengthen his/her abilities by reviewing innovative programs supported by best practice and research. The School Counselor will have the ability to assist students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through interpretation of individual standardized test scores, educational performance and other pertinent data. He/She will assist students in developing education and occupation plans based upon student performance and demonstrated abilities. The School Counselor must be able to articulate the school and district goals regarding the District’s educational programs to staff, students, parents and community members. He/She must possess the knowledge, pedagogical abilities and attitudes necessary to be a successful scholar, counselor and agent for curriculum enhancement and change. The School Counselor must be aware of and comfortable using computer and technological applications as educational tools, to include utilizing email, Microsoft Word, spreadsheet and curriculum based software. School Counselor Page 2 AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES ((E) Designates Essential Functions): 1. Assists students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data. (E) 2. Works with students in developing strategies to successfully benefit from the educational programs and when appropriate plan for post secondary education and occupation opportunities based upon documented performance and abilities. (E) 3. Instructs students in citizenship and advise on decision-making techniques as specified in state laws, regulations and District policies. 4. Provide counseling services to students (as necessary) to enhance personal growth, selfunderstanding and maturity as related to educational programs, social issues and personal concerns according to and within prescribed boundaries established by law, regulations and District policies. (E) 5. Selects, designs and organizes objectives, strategies and materials for guidance and counseling services to assist students in completing successful educational and social experience with the school environment. (E) 6. Evaluates students’ academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records and maintains avenues of communication with students, parents, and staff members and utilizes appropriate school and community resources to support student progress. (E) 7. Uses data to improve the learning and instruction process, social and personal development. (E) 8. Supports staff members in creating an effective learning environment. 9. Assists in developing and monitoring orientation services for new students. 10. Participates in the selection of books and other instructional materials. 11. Administers and provides guidance to the staff members in administering standardized tests in accordance with state and District regulations. (E) 12. Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned work day. (E) 13. Participates in curriculum development programs and programs designed to enhance social and personal development with the school setting. 14. Participates in faculty meetings, meetings and other faculty sponsored programs supporting the educational program. 15. Maintains professional competence through District sponsored in-service programs and approved professional development activities. (E) 16. Demonstrates regular and timely attendance. (E) School Counselor Page 3 17. Is able to speak and write in a clear, concise manner. (E) 18. Is able to move throughout the building (all floors) and school grounds as necessary. (E) 19. Is able to lift a minimum of fifty (50) lbs occasionally. 20. Collaborates and cooperates with other professional staff members and administrators in facilitating the delivery of the entire educational program and supporting social and counseling programs to students. 21. Follows all Board policies, building procedures and submits required information and reports written identified timelines and/or as necessary. (E) 22. Actively communicates the role of the School Counselor to students, staff, parents and community. (E) 23. Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Building Principal, Director of Student Services, Superintendent, or his/her designee. The Lebanon School District, School Counselors provide the comprehensive schoolcounseling program for students in grades K-4 through 12. The program supports the educational mission of the Lebanon School District, enhancing classroom instruction, student achievement, and the acquisition of life long learning skills. The school counselor is a certified professional counselor who assists students, parents/guardians, staff and administration through counseling, consulting, and program coordination. Direct Student Service These are in person interactions between school counselors and students. These interaction involve School Counseling Core Curriculum, Individual Student Planning and Responsive services School Counseling Core Curriculum Curriculum provides guidance content in a systematic way to all students in grades K4-12. School Counselors plan, design and evaluate the curriculum. Implement developmental guidance curriculum. Collaborate with teachers in teaching guidance related curriculum. Guide individuals and groups of students through the development of educational and career goals. Individual Student Planning Individual student planning consists of ongoing systematic activities that are designed to help students to plan monitor, and manage their educational, personal, and career development. Conduct individual advising and counseling School Counselor Page 4 Interpret assessments and other appraisal results Use other sources of student data for assessment, planning, and transition purposes. Responsive Services Response services provide help to students with immediate needs. Provide individual / group counseling Consult with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, agencies, and others. Indirect Student Services These are services that are provided on behalf of students as a result of the school counselor’s interactions with others. Referrals School Counselors direct students and parents to school or community resources for additional assistance or information through referrals. Academic Support College/Career Planning Personal/Social Support Suicidal Ideations Domestic Violence Consultation School Counselors share strategies that support student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations through consultation. Advocate for students to promote academic, personal, and career development Gather information from various sources to identify strategies that promote student achievement Collaboration School Counselors work with other educators, parents and the community to support student achievement and advocate for equity and access for all students through collaboration. Teaming and Partnering School/Community Committees Program Management and School Support This section contains those tasks that are related to the creation, planning, implementation development and evaluation of the comprehensive counseling program. This also involves fairshare tasks such as lunch duty, bus duty, schedule consultation, Analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness Planning and creating the counseling department budget Developing the counseling program management agreements School Counselor Page 5 Developing the program focus, goal and student competencies