MENLO PARK CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

WORKDAYS:  189 DAYS for Elementary/199 DAYS for Middle School

MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the School Principal and in collaboration with the District Counseling and Guidance Team, implements a comprehensive School Counseling program that addresses academic, career development and personal and social development of students.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implements the school counseling and guidance program and curriculum and interprets guidance program for students, staff and community
• Guides and counsels students through the development of academic, career and personal/social plans
• Develops and adjusts students’ schedules or class placements to provide maximum coordination among students, staff and community to maintain class balance and meet academic goals
• Works with outside agencies such as the Probation Department, County Mental Health and Welfare Department
• Refers students and their parents to appropriate specialist, special programs or outside agencies
• Provides prevention and intervention services
• Delivers and/or facilitates faculty and staff members to provide an instructional program that addresses District student counseling and guidance standards
• Establishes and maintains non-punitive measures for a addressing student behaviors
• Consults and collaborates with administrators, teachers, staff and parents in understanding and meeting the needs of students
• Acts as a case manager for students with 504 plans
• Facilitates student study teams and monitors students thereafter
• Counsels students regarding attendance and makes recommendations to SARB
• Communicates with parents and conducts parent conferences when needed to discuss the individual pupil’s progress, the school program, or academic testing
• Assists with the administration of group-standardized tests in accordance with District testing programs
• Provides continuing development of critical thinking skills, decision making, goal setting and resiliency skills
• Identifies pupil needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping pupils solve attitude and learning problems
• Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday
• Facilitates counseling advisory committee to monitor program
• Develops and uses student data to assess needs, determine focuses and develop District reports
• Develops and implements monitoring systems for students’ achievement and development
• Collaborates with District counseling and guidance team
• Promotes essential qualities of educational equity with the School Community
• Facilitates academic placement through scheduling and class placements
• Facilitates intervention with all under-performing students
• Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential authorizing services within a California public school
• Understanding and appreciation of racial and cultural differences and possession of cultural competencies and skills
• Knowledge of K-12 academic curriculum and the academic paths through high school
• Positive interpersonal relationship skills and ability to facilitate groups of adults and students
• Knowledge and skills to implement a comprehensive program of counseling and guidance including academic, career and personal-social development
• Ability to implement counseling theory and techniques

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bilingual/Biliterate in Spanish

SUPERVISOR:  School Site Principal