NOVATO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT JOB DESCRIPTION Secondary High School Counselor Classification: Certificated Reports to: Site Principal Work Year: 196 days Salary Range: See Certificated Salary Schedule – Deans and Counselors Education and Credential Requirements: Pupil Personnel Services Credential Primary Function Under the supervision of the site administrator, the secondary counselor performs those duties and responsibilities which provide guidance to students, staff, parents, and the administration in matters pertaining to pupil personnel services. Representative Duties and Responsibilities 1. Keep abreast of the philosophy, goals, objectives and policies of the district as adopted by the Board of Trustees 2. Provide an individualized review of students’ academic and behavior records 3. Provide an opportunity to meet with students and parents/guardians to explain the records and the educational options available to the student 4. Provide information on services to students identified as “at risk” of not passing the CAHSEE or having enough credits to graduate 5. Monitor and counsel students regarding the process toward satisfying promotion/graduation requirements 6. Plan and implement a comprehensive counseling program which provides college, career, and academic guidance to all students 7. Organize and facilitate the school and college entrance testing program and interpret data with students, parents, and staff 8. Conduct informational presentations to familiarize parents and students with available school offerings, junior college programs, scholarship information and university entrance requirements 9. Provide appropriate information and help coordinate the administration of district testing program 10. Contribute regularly to the school newsletter to publicize counseling services and other pertinent information 11. Help students obtain needed school and community resources 12. Plan and conduct orientation for new students 13. Refer students to other agencies when special services are needed 14. Assist students with present educational decisions and future educational and career plans 15. Help students acquire knowledge and skills which will assist them in their personal and social development 16. Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive school climate 17. Communicate to parents on services provided to their students Other Duties and Responsibilities Examples of High School Counselor Responsibilities: Academic, College, and Career Advising • Academic planning for incoming freshmen and their parents • Annually informing students on graduation status and progress towards college requirements • 10th grade counseling, reviewing current status and planning final two years • Enrolling new students • High School Exit Exam, helping to administer test, keeping track of students needing to pass, meeting with students/parents and designing intervention strategies (in grade 10, the conference shall occur between the spring of that year in which the pupil is enrolled in grade 10 and the fall of the following school year in which the pupil would be in grade 11, for a pupil in grade 12, the conference shall occur after November of that school year in which the pupil is enrolled in grade 12, but before March of that same school year) • Summer school referrals • College nights by grade level • Letters of recommendation for college, scholarships, specialized programs • Yearly college application and financial aid workshops • Senior graduation status report for credit deficient seniors and development of alternative plans • Classroom presentations, periodic information meetings on topics pertaining to pupil personnel services Course Selection and Scheduling (done yearly) • Monitor and counsel students regarding the process toward satisfying promotion/graduation status • Assistance with course selection and long-term academic planning • Individual career/post secondary education planning • Review requests for program changes • Provide program planning for special populations • Provide in grades 10 and 12 a list of course work and experience necessary to assist each pupil in their respective grade that has not passed one or both parts of the CAHSEE and to successfully transition to postsecondary education or employment Monitoring Academic Progress and Providing Parent Support • Audit transcripts to meet graduation/college requirements • Advocate for students • Open line of communication with parents regarding services and issues affecting their student • Recommendations to summer school/credit recovery • Coordinate and participate in parent/teacher conferences • Review parent or student concerns regarding teachers, programs, or testing Personal Counseling • Meet with at-risk students to set goals and recommend strategies for improved academic success • Student self-initiated referral, both personal and academic issues • Make referrals to appropriate support or community agencies • Assist with mediation between students • Provide emotional support to students, staff, and parents Crisis Management • Coordinate/support site crisis management plan • Implement/support Danger to Self/Others Procedures Administrative Support • Master schedule development • Mandated state and college proficiency testing • Academic Planning Guide • Supporting student activities as needed • Senior Awards Night • Graduation • Student assistant supervisor • Counseling Newsletter Consultation and Coordination • 504 Coordinator/Facilitator • SRT, SST, IEP participant • Department chair meetings attendance • SLT and ELAC participant • Consultation with classroom teachers • Coordinate college-related exams