LR School Board Identified Job Description (Secondary)
Middle School Counselor
DESCRIPTION: The position of middle school counselor is to provide counseling services to all students. These services are designed to help the students succeed emotionally, socially and academically. This total development of the student should ensure they will be well-functioning and productive citizens.
Reports to: Middle School Principal
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Implement the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Curriculum at the middle school level.
Guide and counsel groups and individual students through the development of educational and career plans.
Counsel small groups and individual students with problems.
Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students.
Refer students with severe problems to appropriate community resources in consultation with their parents.
Participate in, coordinate or conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.
Evaluate and revise the building guidance program.
Pursue professional growth.
Key Duties
Implement the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Curriculum at the middle school level: Conduct guidance learning activities in the classroom as planned in conjunction with school administration and teachers; consult with and/or be a resource person for teachers to facilitate the infusion of guidance learning activities into the regular education curricula.
Guide and counsel groups and individual students through the development of educational and career plans: Supervise enrollment and help determine appropriate course selections for new students, including consulting with special education department for students with IEPs; supervise scheduling of all middle school students for each school year and advise parents and students on appropriate class choices; assist students in the transition from upper elementary to middle school and coordinate 7th grade scheduling; assist students in the transition from middle school to high school and coordinate 9th grade scheduling with high school counselors; provide resources and information to assist in career awareness and career exploration activities.
Counsel small groups and individual students with problems: Conduct structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions to meet the identified needs of individuals or groups of students. Session topics at the middle school level may include self-awareness, self-identity, academic problems, behavior problems, peer problems, family issues, child abuse, substance abuse, suicide (threats and attempts) and sexuality issues.
Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students: Consult with parents, teachers, and administration on developmental or behavioral concerns and provide or direct them towards reference materials; participate in staffings; conduct in-service programs for faculty; conduct and facilitate conferences with teachers, students and parents; conduct or provide opportunities for parent education programs; assist families with school related problems.
Refer students with severe problems to appropriate community resources in consultation with their parents: Consult and coordinate with in-district and community agencies, such as nurses, administrators, community-based psychologists, service agencies and physicians.
Participate in, coordinate or conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school: Interpret group test results to faculty, staff, and parents; establish effective liaisons with all grade levels; act as an advocate for students as appropriate in conjunction with other staff; assist other school staff in the placement of students with special needs in appropriate programs such as gifted education and/or special education; participate with the administration and faculty as a team member in the implementation of the district testing program.
Evaluate and revise the building guidance program: Review the guidance program periodically with staff and administration using the Internal Improvement Review; review and modify the program calendar and evaluate guidance learning activities.
Pursue professional growth: Attend state and local staff development programs; join professional associations (MSCA, ASCA, MVA, AACD, etc.); read professional journals; attend relevant workshops and conferences sponsored by professional organizations; take post-graduate courses.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor(s).