About the position
The Counselor position at Fulton County Schools is designed to utilize leadership, advocacy, and collaboration to promote student success. The role involves implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the academic, career, and personal/social development needs of all students. The counselor will develop and maintain a written plan aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards, ensuring effective delivery of the counseling program. This includes creating activities, programs, and services that align with the National Office for School Counselor Advocacy (NOSCA) 8 Components of College and Career Readiness, which are essential for student development. In this role, the counselor will spend approximately 80% of their time providing direct services through the Guidance Curriculum, Individual Planning, and Preventive/Responsive Services, while the remaining 20% will be dedicated to program management, system support, and accountability. The counselor will maintain current resources and effectively communicate with stakeholders, utilizing data to develop programs that meet students' needs. They will implement developmentally appropriate group activities and provide comprehensive college and career guidance, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and requirements. The counselor will assist students in developing academic, career, and personal/social skills, goals, and plans, while also interpreting and utilizing student data accurately. Collaboration with parents, guardians, and teachers is crucial in developing educational and career plans. The counselor will also provide individual and group counseling to students with social and emotional needs and implement school-wide prevention/intervention programs to support students' emotional, social, and behavioral needs. Regular program reviews will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the counseling program, and results will be shared with the Principal and other stakeholders. The counselor will monitor academic performance and provide appropriate interventions for students in need, ensuring they are advised and registered for courses that meet graduation requirements and post-secondary goals.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain a written ASCA aligned plan for effective delivery of the comprehensive school counseling program.
- Develop and maintain a written plan for activities, programs, and services for each of the NOSCA 8 Components of College and Career Readiness.
- Communicate the plan and goals of the comprehensive school counseling program to stakeholders.
- Provide direct services through the Guidance Curriculum, Individual Planning, and Preventive/Responsive Services.
- Engage in program management, system support, and accountability.
- Maintain current and appropriate resources and communicate effectively to stakeholder groups.
- Use available data to develop programs and services that meet students' needs.
- Implement developmentally appropriate and prevention-oriented group activities.
- Provide comprehensive college and career guidance and ensure compliance with all Bridge Law and CCRPI requirements.
- Assist students with developing academic, career, and personal/social skills, goals, and plans.
- Interpret and utilize student data accurately and appropriately.
- Collaborate with parents, guardians, and teachers in the development of educational, career, and life plans.
- Develop and implement an appropriate student referral process and follow-up process as needed.
- Provide individual and group counseling to students with social and emotional needs.
- Implement school-wide prevention/intervention programs to support the emotional, social, and behavioral needs of students.
- Assist teachers, parents/guardians, and students in interpreting and understanding student data.
- Utilize technology resources effectively in the implementation and monitoring of the comprehensive school counseling program.
- Conduct annual program reviews to evaluate the extent of program implementation and effectiveness.
- Measure results of comprehensive school counseling program activities and share results with Principal and other relevant stakeholders.
- Monitor academic performance and utilize data to provide appropriate interventions for students in need.
- Ensure students are appropriately advised and registered for courses to meet graduation requirements and post-secondary goals.
- Collaborate with Graduation Coach and other support personnel to ensure students receive appropriate remediation and support.
- Accurately review and maintain student records related to counseling and advisement.
- Participate in professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills.
- Promote positive relationships with students, parents, school staff, and the community.
- Communicate effectively with parents about programs, activities, and services to support students' goals.
- Utilize technology and effective communication tools to inform stakeholders about programs and supports.
Requirements
- Master's Degree in School Counseling Certification/Licensure.
- Must hold or be eligible for S-5 certification in school counseling; S-6 or S-7 preferred.
- Two (2) years of experience in counseling students as individuals and in groups, and experience interpreting standardized testing results preferred.
- Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate a guidance and counseling program based on student needs.
- Proven skill in counseling/advising individuals and groups.
- Ability to convey accurate information regarding academic and career guidance.
- Ability to consult with teachers, staff, and parents regarding the needs of students.
- Knowledge of available school, system, and community resources.
- Awareness of cultural diversity and its implications for school counseling.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and responsibilities.
- Ability to apply critical thinking skills in rendering solutions to various issues.
- Knowledge of current counseling practices across academic, career, and personal/social domains.
- Knowledge of current career and college entrance requirements.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
