Counselor (Middle)

Little Rock School District•Little Rock, AR

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Counselor (Middle) position aims to develop, implement, and support a building-level guidance program focused on addressing student needs, particularly those struggling academically. This role involves specific programs designed to meet identified needs and requires a Master's degree in secondary counseling with Arkansas certification in Guidance & Counseling for 6th-8th grade. The position demands at least five years of experience as a teacher and/or counselor, with demonstrated experience in supporting academically struggling students, strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, and a commitment to quality desegregated education. The counselor will embrace the school's configuration and best practices, promote student success socially, emotionally, physically, and academically, and support the vision and mission of Dunbar BLE by fostering a positive, safe, and kid-friendly learning environment. This role requires collaboration with administration and staff, a strong work ethic, creativity, open-mindedness, and the ability to integrate the Magnet curriculum. The counselor will provide leadership in developing and evaluating the guidance plan, create an environment conducive to learning, help students maximize their potential, and assist parents and staff in understanding and meeting student needs. Responsibilities include formulating and interpreting program goals, implementing research-based strategies to close the achievement gap, assisting in acquiring necessary materials and technology, promoting the utilization of school and community resources, and maintaining professional competence. The position also requires participation in curriculum development, staff meetings, and committees. Additional requirements include participating in Magnet Training and The Leader in Me professional development. The role involves regular sitting, standing, walking, operating controls, using the phone, and writing, with occasional lifting of up to twenty pounds. It requires accurate perception of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling educational materials, and providing oral information. The employee must be able to work for the duration of the daily contracted time period and maintain regular attendance.

Requirements

A master’s degree in secondary counseling and certification by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Arkansas certification in Guidance & Counseling 6th-8th grade.
At least five (5) years of experience as a teacher and/or counselor.
Evidence of experience in working with students struggling academically.
Evidence of strong organizational skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills.
Evidence of a strong commitment to quality desegregated education.
Must have the ability to work for the duration of the daily contracted time period, and to be physically present and at assigned work, with only infrequent unexcused absences, during the contract year.

Nice To Haves

Such alternatives and additions to the above qualifications may be deemed appropriate by the Superintendent.
Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may require.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and support a building-level guidance program that addresses student needs with an emphasis on serving students who are struggling academically.
Develop, implement, and support specific programs associated with this position focusing on identified needs.
Embrace the school's configuration and best practices with high expectations, and promote student success by adopting a student-centered focus that allows students to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
Supports the vision and mission of Dunbar BLE by working collaboratively with the administration and ALL staff to create a positive, safe, and kid-friendly learning environment.
Demonstrates strong work ethics, a passion for creativity, and is always open-minded to new and innovative ideas.
Evidence of the ability and willingness to successfully integrate the Magnet curriculum, where feasible for BLE Magnet.
Provides leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating a building-level guidance plan that is based on the needs and characteristics of the student population served.
Participates in creating an environment conducive to the learning and growth of the identified children.
Helps students to grow in self-understanding and in the positive, maximum use of his/her potential.
Assists parents and school staff in understanding the developmental needs of all students, and works with parents and staff in meeting the individual needs of students in the school environment.
Formulates, clarifies, and interprets the goals and objectives of the school counseling program to pupils, building staff, parents, and the community.
Implements research-based materials and strategies targeted at closing the achievement gap.
Assists in obtaining materials, supplies, and equipment, including Technology, to be used in supporting approved instructional programs for struggling students.
Promotes effective utilization of school and community resources in program development and implementation.
Assists students, staff, and parents in interpreting and using pertinent information relating to the educational and psychosocial needs of pupils.
Participates in curriculum development and change.
Maintain and improve professional competence.
Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
Participate and successfully complete the required Magnet Training and The Leader in Me professional development beginning through the current school year.