Middle School Guidance Counselor

Full-time

Malvern, AR

About the position

The primary purpose of this position is to plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive program of guidance, including counseling services to the assigned school. The role involves using a planning process to define the needs and priorities of the population served and providing a proactive, developmental guidance program for all students to maximize their personal growth and development.

Responsibilities

• Maintain professional behavior, appearance, and work ethic to represent the school district positively.
• Articulate a positive image of the school district and its personnel.
• Demonstrate effective customer service strategies to all district patrons.
• Effectively plan and implement the school guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs.
• Teach the school developmental guidance curriculum to students.
• Assist teaching staff in the teaching of guidance-related curriculum.
• Provide guidance to individuals and groups of students to develop education, career, and personal plans.
• Provide counseling to individuals and small groups.
• Collaborate with other school and district staff to design testing and appraisal programs for students.
• Use an effective referral process to help students and others utilize special programs and services.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of guidance and counseling.
• Present a positive role model for students that supports the mission of the school district.
• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Assess and respond to needs related to job responsibilities.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the guidance program and implement changes based on findings.
• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.
• Develop needed professional skills appropriate to job assignments.
• Demonstrate awareness of school-community needs and initiate activities to meet those identified needs.
• Demonstrate the use of appropriate and effective techniques for community and parent involvement.
• Assist with award assemblies and other special programs.
• Assist with all student testing.
• Attend Individual Education Plan and Response to Intervention meetings as requested.
• Attend all meetings and training sessions as directed.
• Be a part of the Special Ed team by attending team meetings.
• Serve as the school test coordinator for Standardized Achievement Tests.
• Assist administrators with the distribution and interpretation of standardized test scores for students and parents.
• Attend IEP and 504 meetings according to caseload.
• Support the overall district's educational program through general consultation activities and committee work.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal.

Requirements

• Master's degree in guidance and counseling.
• Valid Arkansas counselor's license.
• Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, and career development.
• Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with students and others.

Nice-to-haves

• Teaching experience preferred.
• School counseling experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success in mediation and relationship building.