FUNCTION:

To provide comprehensive counseling and guidance services including the areas of career planning, educational planning, and psychological/social development; assist in the development of a positive pupil self-image and the improvement of interpersonal relationships among special education pupils, their teachers, and their parents; counsel and consult with parents and staff members on learning problems and guidance programs for pupils with exceptional needs.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

-        To implement and support the philosophy, goals, objectives, and policies of the district and school.

-        To serve, when appropriate, on the Individualized Education Program Team of pupils with exceptional needs.

-        To help pupils become responsible, self-directed citizens and to assist pupils in the development of decision-making skills.

-        To provide guidance in the development of educational plans commensurate with individual aptitude and achievement.

-        To plan with parents and pupils and to provide information for the development of career plans of exceptional pupils in the secondary schools.

-        To aid pupils in the selection of appropriate courses and to interpret course and graduation requirements of exceptional pupils in the secondary schools.

-        To counsel with pupils and parents in regard to academic problems and to communicate, in writing and by telephone, when necessary regarding pupil’s progress and problems.

-        To provide assistance to teachers, including conferences, to interpret the abilities and needs of pupils, and consultation concerning specialized instruction indicated.

-        To counsel with pupils in regard to personal, social, and family problems and to aid the pupil in seeking solutions.

-        To aid in the development of group guidance programs which may include faculty, other DIS personnel, and/or community involvement.

-        To serve as coordinator and facilitator of parent/teacher conferences and resource person for referral services in school district and community.

-        To keep appropriate records.

-        To enhance professional competence through professional growth activities.

-        To assist in staff planning for the school principal relating to articulation, enrollment, scheduling, vocational guidance, testing, and other related counseling subprograms to enhance the exceptional pupil’s functioning in the total school program.

-        To interact positively with colleagues.

-        To utilize school resources and community resources for pupil benefit.

-        To select or recommend pupils for special need.

-        To administer standardized tests and to interpret test results.

-        To maintain liaison with district pupil personnel services and community agencies for student referral contacts.

-        To maintain an ongoing data collection and analysis regarding pupil academic performance, post-high school training sources, or career choices and dropout information.

-        To keep abreast of literature regarding colleges, vocational trends and training, educational changes, counseling techniques, and services to exceptional individuals.

-        To promote beneficial school, parent, and community relationships by means of participation in the civic organizations.

-        To assist in formulation and implementation of school policies and procedures.

-        To attend school and district in-service, information, and articulation meetings.

-        To perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED OR RECEIVED:

-        Under the immediate supervision of the site administrator with assistance from site/district administrative staff. 

-        Provides leadership and professional/technical advice to advisors and other certificated staff assigned to the school. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Credential:

          Appropriate California Credential

Education:

          Bachelor’s Degree

Experience:

-        A combination of three years of successful classroom and special education teacher is desirable but no mandatory prior to assignment to this position. 

-        In addition, successful experience in one or more of the following assignments is recommended:  advisor, counselor, class sponsor, department chairman, district counselor, district resource teacher, and teacher on special assignment.

Personal Qualities:

-        Competence in area of assignment.

-        Empathy for pupils with exceptional needs.

-        Enthusiasm for education of pupils with exceptional needs.

-        Ability to communicate effectively with pupils, associates, parents, and supervisors.