POSITION TITLE: School Counselor Department Chairperson
Bethel High School
QUALIFICATIONS:
A) Professional Educator Certificate in one of the curriculum areas supervised.
B) Valid Connecticut Certificate for Intermediate Administrator and Supervisor
C) Training in development, implementation, and curriculum assessment.
D) Supervision and evaluation of instruction as the administration may find acceptable and appropriate.
E) Experience as the Board and Administration may find acceptable and appropriate.
REPORTS TO: Principal/Associate Superintendent of Schools
JOB GOAL: Provide leadership and supervision for the department's curriculum and instruction programs.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
8. Assists substitute teachers in the fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities.?
9. Assists staff members within the department to improve and seek more effective teaching techniques and makes staff members aware of all available teaching and assessment resources.
10. Attends meetings as requested by the Principal/Associate Superintendent.Provides leadership and coordination for the departmental staff in professional development and instructional improvement and research, 9-12.
11. Instructs classes in their department as time and schedule permit.Forms and chairs committees to select textbooks and instructional materials in accordance with established policies and procedures.
12. Participates in training for curriculum assessment, implementation, and leadership.
13. Carries out other duties as assigned by the Principal and/or Associate Superintendent.Assists Principals/Assistant Principals with department scheduling.
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:
Ten-month/Annual appointment.
Some summer work will be required at the additional contracted curriculum rate.
EVALUATION:
The Principal and Associate Superintendent will evaluate performance annually.
Position Title: School Counselor
QUALIFICATIONS: A) A master's degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university.
B) Valid certification issued by the Connecticut State Department of Education for School Counselor.
C) Experience in the field as the Board and Administration may find appropriate and acceptable.
JOB GOAL:
The school counselor fosters students' growth and development in the areas of academic planning, career planning, and social/emotional development to support students' school success and their planning for the future through the school counseling curriculum and other programs and services.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Developmental School Counseling Curriculum Role
1. Implements the district's Developmental School Counseling curriculum, and maintains data on student performance and program effectiveness.
2. Facilitates all students' development in the areas of academic growth, personal/social growth, and career planning.
3. As a member of the School Counseling Department, works with the Coordinator and administrators in monitoring, evaluating, and revising the curriculum as needed.
4. Provides instruction to students in social, emotional, and behavioral learning and assists classroom teachers in their provision of such instruction.
Individual Student Planning Role
1. At grades K-12, serves as the chairperson and student case manager in the school's implementation of the Section 504 process, meeting all district expectations for the counselor's role in the process.
2. At grades K-8, serves as the chairperson of the Planning and Placement Team process at the school, fulfilling all professional responsibilities as outlined in the district's Guide to Professional Roles & Responsibilities in the PPT & IEP Processes.
3. At the grades 6-12 level, assists students in the development and periodic revision of individual Student Success Plans to support students' achievement of academic, social, and future education and career goals.
4. At grades 6-12, assists the administration in assuring students' enrollment in the proper courses through the course selection process and scheduling.
5. Plans, schedules, and chairs parent-staff meetings regarding students' performance.
Responsive Services Role
1. Provides individual counseling to meet the needs of students, ensuring a timely response to concerns.
2. Provides small group counseling sessions to address needs assessed at the classroom, grade, or school level.
3. Maintains a high degree of availability to students.
4. Assumes a role that is preventative and proactive, rather than solely reactive.
5. Initiates, supports, and maintains positive relationships with students and their families. Provides outreach to parents to help engage them in their children's educational progress.
6. Responds to crisis situations and serves on the school crisis team.
7. In collaboration with the administration, provides expertise and leadership at the school to establish and maintain a positive school climate meeting the requirements of all applicable state and federal laws regarding the prevention of bullying.
8. Conducts periodic assessments to determine the needs of students at the school and identifies trends that require attention and intervention.
9. Conducts parent conferences and provides parent education programs of interest.
10. Collects, maintains, and analyzes data on counselees' growth.
Collaboration Role
1. Actively participates in the school's implementation of SRBI to help assure success for all students.
2. Works collaboratively with teachers to problem-solve students' performance concerns.
3. Provides expertise and knowledge to support the social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of students at the school as a collaborator with school teams such as the Crisis Team, Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support Team, Data Team, and Student Assistance Team.
4. Consults and collaborates with teachers, administrators, parents, community organizations, and agencies for the purpose of supporting students and their families.
5. Refers students and parents to district and community resources as needed.
Professional Role as a School Counselor
1. Maintains student and family confidentiality at all times.
2. Assists school administrators in achieving a smooth transition for students as they move through the grades and schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
3. Advocates for student experiences and activities that will improve student achievement and broaden career opportunities for every student.
4. Actively participates in district and outside professional development, pursuing continuing professional and personal growth activities.
5. Adheres to the ethical professional standards established by the American School Counselors Association.
6. Follows through on other responsibilities as assigned by the principal or the Director of Special Education and Pupil Services.