Position:        Counselor

Supervisor:    Principal

General Job Description: The Counselor will develop and implement a school guidance program focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and vocational growth of each student.  The counselor will be responsible for the Competencies for New Mexico School Counselors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. The counselor will develop and implement a comprehensive school level guidance program based on the American School Counseling Association National Standards and focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and vocational growth of each student
2. The counselor will coordinate activities in the guidance and counseling program
3. The counselor will provide information and facilitate guidance activities for students, staff and parents
4. The counselor wills serve as a consultant to the school and community
5. The counselor will provide individual and group counseling by
6. The counselor will uphold the standards of the counseling profession
7. The counselor will assist all students in both High School Course selections towards Graduation and College course selections towards AA Degree.
8. The counselor will enter student data in PowerSchool, print transcripts, and other duties associated with student and school recordkeeping.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Determine guidance priorities based on local assessed needs
• Formulate measurable objectives from identified needs and priorities
• Coordinate a continuing evaluation of the program
• Coordinate with the appropriate administration for achievement
• Work with other staff members to encourage the inclusion of a student-oriented philosophy in all school activities
• Help to integrate the guidance and counseling program within the total school program
• Communicate with parents and community about services available within the guidance and counseling 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
• Provide prevention strategies that address current issues such as chemical dependency, teenage pregnancy, suicide, dropping out, and various forms of abuse.
• Conduct activities on education and career themes
• Conduct orientation/training programs for students, parents and staff
• Interpret test results to students, 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
• Work Closely with ECHS College
• 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
• Meet the state competency standards and the requirements for preparation
• 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
• Follow the legal and ethical standards of the counseling profession
• Responsible for supervising extracurricular activities as designated by the principal
• Determine schedules
• Provide information on colleges, technical programs, military jobs and other programs for graduate planning
• Write recommendations for students for job and education applications

• Participate in school teams/committees

• Support district initiatives
• Accept other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the principal

Qualifications:  A Master’s degree in school Counseling or National Certified Counselor credential issued by the National Board for Certified Counselors, A valid New Mexico counselor license, and 3 years experience in public school teaching and/or related counseling experience.   Such alternative to the above qualifications the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Physical Requirements: Ability to perform the job and access the environment for which you are hired.  The following may be required: Sitting, standing, lifting, moving about the room or school, carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, kneeling, prolonged typing, physical ability to type on a keyboard terminal, and moving light furniture.

Equipment/Technology Handled: Must know how to properly operate or be willing to learn to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology.

Work Environment: Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality.   Interruptions of work are routine.   Flexibility and patience are required.   Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignment without direct supervision.  After hour work may be required.

Terms of Employment: Salary and work calendar established yearly by the district.

High School Counselor is a 199 day contract.