Position:         Student Assistance Counselor (SAC)

Supervisor:    Principal

General Job Description: The Student Assistance Counselor will develop and implement a school guidance program and work with at-risk students, families, teachers, administration and staff to remove barriers to learning. The counselor will be responsible for the Competencies for New Mexico School Counselors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) will:

1. Support existing programs focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and covational growth of each student.  Where programs do not exist or are in need of revision, the counselor will work with administration and teachers to develop and implement such programs.
2. Work with school level Student Assistance Teams (SAT) and support the RTI process to accurately assess the needs of the student/families in order to remove barriers to learning and family functioning.
3. Coordinate activities in the student support, guidance and counseling program.
4. Provide information and facilitate guidance activities for students, staff and parents and assist school on monitoring of interventions in classroom.
5. Serve as a consultant to the school and community.
6. Achieve a standard of excellence, honoring  District policies and all regulatory requirements and enforce confidentiality with use of release of information and other supportive documentation.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Determine guidance priorities based on local assessed needs
• Formulate measurable objectives from identified needs and priorities
• Coordinate with the appropriate administration for achievement and evaluation of program
• 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 including Next Step Plans
• Conduct orientation/training programs for students, parents and staff
• Interpret test results to students, parents and staff and serve as school testing coordinator
• 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
• Be trained in and 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 school teams/committees as determined by school administrator
  • Support district initiatives
  • Accept other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the principal

Qualifications:  A Master’s degree in either school Counseling or Social Work or, A valid New Mexico counselor license, and 3 years experience in public school teaching and/or related counseling experience or social work, Good leadership and communication skills.  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.

Elementary School Counselor is a 185 day contract.

Middle School Counselor is a 194 day contract.

High School Counselor is a 199 day contract.