FAIRLESS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:                    GUIDANCE COUNSELOR                                                                                          File 301

Reports to:           Principal

Job Objective:     Encourages a full range of learning options.  Helps students resolve problems that impede learning, make appropriate choices, and think of school as a positive experience.  Keeps stakeholders informed about emerging issues.  Encourages parental involvement.

Minimum         ·   Valid state department of education license/certificate appropriate for the position.

Qualifications: ·   Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).

• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules and board policies.
• Keeps current with technology and other workplace innovations that support job functions.

Essential              The following are typical work responsibilities.  A reasonable accommodation may be made to

Functions:            enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Facilitates the effective planning, delivery, and ongoing improvement of guidance services.
• Helps ensure that district policies/procedures support non-biased assessment/planning activities.
• Upholds board policies and follows administrative procedures.  Promotes a professional image of the school district.  Encourages community partnerships that enhance district programs.
• Consults with district staff to identify ongoing/emerging guidance needs of students.
• Facilitates the transition process for students entering or leaving the school program.
• Provides student orientation and follow-up services.  Provides information services to parents and students (e.g., testing procedures, program options, graduation requirements, etc.).
• Assists the principal with the development of the master schedule as directed.
• Coordinates class scheduling and record keeping processes.  Helps students make suitable choices to meet graduation requirements.
• Assists administrators with standardized and alternative testing programs, test interpretations, and the identification/implementation of student intervention services.
• Assists with the coordination of summer school programs when offered.
• Helps students better understand themselves and others.  Helps students understand why learning is important.  Promotes the development of appropriate study skills.
• Helps students acknowledge and assume responsibility for setting goals and achieving success.
• Conducts guidance activities.  Collaborates with teachers on students career planning activities.
• Oversees the development of student career passports.
• Serves as a liaison to the vocational school.  Facilitates enrollment procedures.
• Maintains career information materials.  Helps students explore training opportunities (e.g., college, university, technical, and proprietary schools; military services, etc.).  Coordinates admission visits.  Maintains up-to-date scholarships and financial aid information.
• Helps students take full advantage of the learning environment (e.g., use of instructional/media resources, access/proximity to activities, etc.).
• Communicates expectations, provides guidance, and shows an active interest in student progress.
• Facilitates self-reliance, problem-solving, critical-thinking, creativity, and performance skills.
• Collaborates with other staff.  Shares knowledge and resources that enhance student learning.
• Upholds the student conduct code.  Implements effective pupil management procedures.  Maintains a positive learning environment.  Helps parents/students understand academic objectives, behavioral standards, and performance expectations.
• Consults with staff and families to address student concerns (e.g., excessive absences, at-risk behavior, mental/physical health, family/peer relations, etc.).  Initiates referrals to community resources as needed (e.g., legal, health, welfare, etc.).  Serves as a contact for public agencies.
• Serves as a resource for drug prevention awareness and intervention activities.
• Collaborates with staff to implement and monitor behavior management plans when required.
• Supports an inclusive educational environment.  Helps staff resolve problems related to the participation of students with disabilities in appropriate learning activities.

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR                                                                                                                      Page 2 of 2

• Helps intervention assistance team (IAT) members prepare plans for eligible students.  Works with staff to ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Conducts individual and group counseling sessions as needed (e.g., personal conduct, conflict mediation, divorce, grief, etc.).
• Maintains accurate records and submits reports on time.
• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., phone calls, notes, meetings, etc.).
• Respects personal privacy.  Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Promotes the proper use and care of school property.  Oversees the cleaning, repair, replacement, and storage of program supplies/equipment.
• Takes precautions to ensure safety.  Monitors situations that may indicate a problem.  Provides appropriate student supervision.  Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors.
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.
• Supervises non-classroom activities when assigned.
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other required school activities.
• Encourages parent organizations and supports school-sponsored activities.
• Pursues growth opportunities that enhance professional performance and advance district goals.
• Strives to develop rapport and serves as a positive role model for others.
• Provides prompt notification of absences.
• Maintains a professional appearance.  Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities               The following personal characteristics and skills are important for the successful performance

Required:             of assigned duties:

• Acts in accordance with the professional code of ethics.
• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work environment.
• Models professional and ethical conduct.  Assumes responsibility for decisions and conduct.
• Organizes tasks and manages time effectively.
• Skillfully manages individual, group, and organizational interactions.
• Effectively uses listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness, and resilience.
• Exercises tact and self-control when dealing with other individuals.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.

Working               Exposure to the following situations may range from remote to frequent based on circumstances

Conditions:          and factors that may not be predictable.

• Duties may require bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing.
• Duties may require lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require traveling to meetings and work assignments.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Potential for exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.

Performance        Job performance including duties assigned by the superintendent are evaluated according to

Evaluation:          policies/contractual agreements adopted by the Fairless Local School District Board of Education.

                            The Fairless Local School District Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer.  This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, and other unforeseen events.

FAIRLESS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:                    GUIDANCE COUNSELOR                                                                                          File 301

Reports to:           Principal

Job Objective:     Encourages a full range of learning options.  Helps students resolve problems that impede learning, make appropriate choices, and think of school as a positive experience.  Keeps stakeholders informed about emerging issues.  Encourages parental involvement.

Minimum         ·   Valid state department of education license/certificate appropriate for the position.

Qualifications: ·   Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).

• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules and board policies.
• Keeps current with technology and other workplace innovations that support job functions.

Essential              The following are typical work responsibilities.  A reasonable accommodation may be made to

Functions:            enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Facilitates the effective planning, delivery, and ongoing improvement of guidance services.
• Helps ensure that district policies/procedures support non-biased assessment/planning activities.
• Upholds board policies and follows administrative procedures.  Promotes a professional image of the school district.  Encourages community partnerships that enhance district programs.
• Consults with district staff to identify ongoing/emerging guidance needs of students.
• Facilitates the transition process for students entering or leaving the school program.
• Provides student orientation and follow-up services.  Provides information services to parents and students (e.g., testing procedures, program options, graduation requirements, etc.).
• Assists the principal with the development of the master schedule as directed.
• Coordinates class scheduling and record keeping processes.  Helps students make suitable choices to meet graduation requirements.
• Assists administrators with standardized and alternative testing programs, test interpretations, and the identification/implementation of student intervention services.
• Assists with the coordination of summer school programs when offered.
• Helps students better understand themselves and others.  Helps students understand why learning is important.  Promotes the development of appropriate study skills.
• Helps students acknowledge and assume responsibility for setting goals and achieving success.
• Conducts guidance activities.  Collaborates with teachers on students career planning activities.
• Oversees the development of student career passports.
• Serves as a liaison to the vocational school.  Facilitates enrollment procedures.
• Maintains career information materials.  Helps students explore training opportunities (e.g., college, university, technical, and proprietary schools; military services, etc.).  Coordinates admission visits.  Maintains up-to-date scholarships and financial aid information.
• Helps students take full advantage of the learning environment (e.g., use of instructional/media resources, access/proximity to activities, etc.).
• Communicates expectations, provides guidance, and shows an active interest in student progress.
• Facilitates self-reliance, problem-solving, critical-thinking, creativity, and performance skills.
• Collaborates with other staff.  Shares knowledge and resources that enhance student learning.
• Upholds the student conduct code.  Implements effective pupil management procedures.  Maintains a positive learning environment.  Helps parents/students understand academic objectives, behavioral standards, and performance expectations.
• Consults with staff and families to address student concerns (e.g., excessive absences, at-risk behavior, mental/physical health, family/peer relations, etc.).  Initiates referrals to community resources as needed (e.g., legal, health, welfare, etc.).  Serves as a contact for public agencies.
• Serves as a resource for drug prevention awareness and intervention activities.
• Collaborates with staff to implement and monitor behavior management plans when required.
• Supports an inclusive educational environment.  Helps staff resolve problems related to the participation of students with disabilities in appropriate learning activities.

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR                                                                                                                      Page 2 of 2

• Helps intervention assistance team (IAT) members prepare plans for eligible students.  Works with staff to ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Conducts individual and group counseling sessions as needed (e.g., personal conduct, conflict mediation, divorce, grief, etc.).
• Maintains accurate records and submits reports on time.
• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., phone calls, notes, meetings, etc.).
• Respects personal privacy.  Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Promotes the proper use and care of school property.  Oversees the cleaning, repair, replacement, and storage of program supplies/equipment.
• Takes precautions to ensure safety.  Monitors situations that may indicate a problem.  Provides appropriate student supervision.  Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors.
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.
• Supervises non-classroom activities when assigned.
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other required school activities.
• Encourages parent organizations and supports school-sponsored activities.
• Pursues growth opportunities that enhance professional performance and advance district goals.
• Strives to develop rapport and serves as a positive role model for others.
• Provides prompt notification of absences.
• Maintains a professional appearance.  Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities               The following personal characteristics and skills are important for the successful performance

Required:             of assigned duties:

• Acts in accordance with the professional code of ethics.
• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work environment.
• Models professional and ethical conduct.  Assumes responsibility for decisions and conduct.
• Organizes tasks and manages time effectively.
• Skillfully manages individual, group, and organizational interactions.
• Effectively uses listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness, and resilience.
• Exercises tact and self-control when dealing with other individuals.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.

Working               Exposure to the following situations may range from remote to frequent based on circumstances

Conditions:          and factors that may not be predictable.

• Duties may require bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing.
• Duties may require lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require traveling to meetings and work assignments.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Potential for exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.

Performance        Job performance including duties assigned by the superintendent are evaluated according to

Evaluation:          policies/contractual agreements adopted by the Fairless Local School District Board of Education.

                            The Fairless Local School District Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer.  This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, and other unforeseen events.