McFARLAND UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Title and Classification:             Counselor

Supervisor:                              Site Administrator

Salary Range:                          Teacher’s Salary Schedule

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Principal-High School Principal or designee, provide academic, career and personal/social counseling and guidance services to students; make referrals to other community resources, support groups and social service agencies as appropriate.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provide individual and group guidance counseling to students; confer as needed with parents, teachers and others regarding student needs including school achievement and behavior; assist students in acquiring knowledge and skills which will assist them in their academic, career and personal/social development.
• Provide career and academic counseling; assist students with the decision making process regarding future personal and educational plans; assist students in providing information regarding trade and technical school, apprenticeship programs and military organizations; inform students of various skill training programs available (if applicable ).
• Provide guidance and advisement to students regarding class selections and promotion requirements; conduct classroom presentations regarding graduation requirements, college/university admission requirements and other guidance curriculum as appropriate; review student transcripts for four-year planning; schedule students into classes for next school year; assist the Principal or designee with scheduling students into summer school programs.
• Identify and counsel students with special needs and behavioral, social and school adjustment problems; provide crisis counseling services as needed; conduct workshops and informational sessions for parents or guardians to address the needs of the school community and to reflect the student school guidance program; refer students to social services and governmental agencies, support groups and other community resources as appropriate; consult with law enforcement agencies regarding students as necessary.
• Communicate with personnel, school staff, parents, students and public agencies regarding student placement, referrals, services and related issues; serve as liaison to other agencies, students, school personnel, families and community organizations; maintain relations between school, the community and community services.
• Utilize diagnostic and assessment testing procedures as appropriate; gather, organize and interpret data regarding students to teachers and parents; utilize data to assist students develop immediate and long-range plans; revise academic plans as appropriate.
• Prepare records and reports related to the assignment; prepare letters to parents, progress reports, referrals, career/college portfolios, grades/progress reports, enrollment and related documents.
• Serve as school testing coordinator; organize State and national testing activities; order testing materials.
• Coordinate various activities including graduation, advanced placement, scholarships, senior awards assembly and other activities as assigned.
• Maintain current knowledge of community resources and recent trends in counseling techniques; attend in-service trainings and conferences to maintain current knowledge of curriculum development, technology, data analysis, financial aid, college admission requirements and related student services; provide staff training as necessary.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.
• Attend and participate in a variety of meetings; provide information concerning student progress; attend meetings to represent students as needed; serve on assigned councils and committees.

 OTHER DUTIES:

• Assist the Principal with the development of the master class schedule, when applicable

• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

 KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Effective personal and academic counseling techniques and procedures.

• Counseling theory, ethics and associated legal confidentiality requirements.

• Applicable sections of the State Education Code and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.

• Normal and abnormal child behavior and development.

• Assessment techniques, results and interpretations.

• Behavior modification techniques and strategies.

• Student assistance programs.

• Confidentiality requirements as required by law and related guidelines.

• Community referral resources.

• Principles of training and providing work direction and guidance.

• Diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of students.

• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

• Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.

• Operation of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

• Oral and written communication skills.

 ABILITY TO:

• Provide academic, career and social/behavioral counseling and guidance services to students.

• Assess student needs and develop viable plans and alternatives.

• Make referrals to other community resources, support groups and social service agencies as     appropriate.

• Plan, prepare and conduct individual and group counseling sessions.

• Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

• Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations.

• Set limits, goals, objectives and personal boundaries for students.

• Provide parents with accurate, comprehensive and relevant information.

• Understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of students served.

• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

• Work independently with little direction.

• Meet schedules and time lines.

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.

• Maintain records and prepare various reports.

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

• Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

 Any combination equivalent to:  master’s degree in school counseling, psychology, social work or related field and sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

 • Valid Pupil Personnel Services Credential.

 WORKING CONDITIONS:

 ENVIRONMENT:

• Office and classroom environment.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.

• Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student behavior.

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.

• Sitting for extended periods of time.