School Counselor - Alabama State Department of Education : Job Details

To offer students counseling and comprehensive developmental guidance services in the areas of personal/social, educational/academic, and career vocational growth and development which will enable him/her to live successfully and become contributing/responsible members of society.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides comprehensive and collaborative school counseling services to students within an assigned school on an individual and/or group basis in order to prepare and assist students in the areas of academic achievement, career planning and exploration, and personal/social development.
• Participates in the development of an effective counseling program at both the district level and individual school level based on the Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance State Model for Alabama Public Schools, including selection and evaluation of school counseling curriculum and related resources.
• Teaches in the classroom, including but not limited to lessons in study skills, test preparation, career planning/exploration, goal setting, conflict resolutions, anger management, social skills, bully prevention, personal safety, and self-awareness/self-confidence.
• Consults with the school principal, teachers, and other staff as appropriate to implement effective school counseling services, assess data related to the school counseling program and student progress, and assist with developing prevention plans and/or interventions for addressing unique academic, social, or behavioral concerns and/or crisis situations.
• Communicates effectively with students and parents to establish effective rapport, discuss academic progress and performance, communicate expectations, develop plans for improvement, answer inquiries, and assist in resolving existing and potential issues for the purpose of providing a solid educational foundation in accordance with each student's needs and abilities while maintaining confidentiality.
• Coordinates and presents parent workshops and develops parent newsletters for the purpose of reducing barriers, improving communication, and developing relationships.
• Collaborates with teachers and other staff as appropriate to discuss students' needs and progress and parents' concerns, identify academic and behavioral issues, make necessary accommodations for students as required by Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans, and make referrals to internal personnel or external professional agencies as needed.
• Administers tests and utilizes test data and other available information to identify the interests, achievement, and aptitudes of all students for the purpose of assisting students in selecting appropriate curricula, activities and special programs; developing career plans; and addressing educational, vocational, and personal/social needs.
• May review and interpret job trends and labor market data to remain current with workforce developments, employment demands, and emerging careers in the changing economy and to assist in making informed decisions regarding career planning.
• Works with the school Media Specialist to keep teachers and other staff informed about newly acquired school library/media center materials and recent technology developments pertaining to their specific instructional areas.
• May perform duties as the school's enrollment clerk and uses appropriate systems to process the registration and enrollment of new and returning students.
• Inputs and verifies various confidential and non-confidential data and information into student information system to ensure data integrity and compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Prepares and distributes transcripts, records, and other documents for transferring or withdrawing students to schools and other appropriate recipients as requested.
• Generates and distributes student data, information, or reports as scheduled or requested while maintaining compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), including but not limited to report cards, progress reports, attendance information, student demographics, local and state reports, etc.
• Reviews and completes the state-required immunization survey for student immunization records and communicates with school administrators and students' parents/guardians regarding any deficiencies according to applicable state laws and regulations.
• Participates in various meetings to present and interpret information regarding school counseling services; serves as a member on various teams and committees as appropriate.
• Maintains research-based knowledge in state and national current trends and best practices within the school counseling services and career education programs; reviews current developments, literature, and technical sources of information; and utilizes knowledge to ensure compliance with school system guidelines and the state model.
• Attends approved trainings, activities, and events, including in-service programs, seminars, conferences, workshops, etc. to address professional learning needs.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Qualifications (minimum education, licensure, skills, and/or experience):

• Master's Degree or Master's-level certificate in School Counseling
• Minimum of three (3) years of classroom teaching experience or school counseling experience Valid Alabama teaching certificate

Note: This job description is subject to change at any time. While this job description reflects delegation of essential duties and responsibilities, it does not exclude or restrict management's right to assign or reassign tasks, duties, or responsibilities to this job at any time.