School Counselor

$44,000 - $87,000/Yr

Bernalillo Public Schools - Algodones, NM

Full-time - Entry Level

Algodones, NM

Educational Services

About the position

The School Counselor at Bernalillo Public Schools is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive school guidance program that supports the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and vocational growth of students. This role involves providing individual and group counseling, coordinating guidance activities, and serving as a consultant to the school and community. The counselor will also assist students in their transitions, provide educational and career counseling, and ensure compliance with ethical standards and school policies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement appropriate school level guidance programs focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and vocational growth of each student.
• Coordinate activities in the guidance and counseling program.
• Provide information and facilitate guidance activities for students, staff, and parents.
• Serve as a consultant to the school and community.
• Provide individual and group counseling.
• Assist in transition of students to the next level of school.
• Provide prevention strategies that address chemical dependency, pregnancy, suicide, dropping out, and abuse.
• Provide educational and career counseling individually and in groups.
• Conduct orientation and text interpretation to students and parents.
• Comply with all School Board policies and administrative regulations.
• Follow the legal and ethical standards of the counseling profession.
• Complete other tasks as deemed appropriate by the immediate supervisor and/or the superintendent.
• Determine guidance priorities based on locally assessed needs.
• Formulate measurable objectives from identified needs and priorities.
• Coordinate a continuing evaluation of the program.
• Establish and maintain contact with school and community resources.
• Assist others in their understanding of personal and social development.
• Serve as a resource to facilitate groups and presentations on pertinent issues.
• Conduct orientation/training programs for students, parents, and staff.
• Interpret test results to student, parents, and staff.
• Provide mediation for changes in behavior and conflict resolution.
• Support the staff with assistance in developing positive rapport with students to maximize learning potential.
• Assist teachers in identifying students who would benefit from counseling and provide feedback on referred students as appropriate.
• Provide information to parents and students to aid in their understanding of educational goals.
• Provide resource materials and expertise dealing with issues affecting students, staff, and family.
• Provide crisis intervention.
• Use appropriate interventions in situations detrimental to the physical, mental, educational, and emotional well-being of the individual.
• Provide support to individuals by addressing topics such as interpersonal relations, communication, decision-making, problem solving skills, academic programs, and career, and life planning.
• Make referrals to school and community resources when necessary.
• Participate in the development of policies concerning guidance and counseling.
• Stay informed about developments and innovations within the profession at the local, state, and national levels.
• Assist in developing schedules; schedule changes, and oversee the 'Next Step Plans'.
• Provide information on colleges, technical programs, military jobs, and other programs for graduate planning.
• Write recommendations for students for jobs and education applications.
• Assist Administration in the implementation of Professional Learning Communities collaborative practices throughout the school.

Requirements

• Master's degree in counseling or a related field.
• Valid school counselor certification or licensure in New Mexico.
• Experience in counseling or guidance in an educational setting is preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, and parents.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with crisis intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of college and career readiness programs.
• Familiarity with local community resources for students and families.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range between $57k and $87k per year.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Professional development opportunities.