P26/27- Dir Counseling Svcs High School (Washington-Liberty)

Arlington Public Schools•Arlington, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The high school Director of Counseling Services is a multi-faceted leadership position which requires expertise in a variety of areas: counseling, special education, curriculum and instruction, child development, student academic and social adjustment, testing, scheduling, school law, student record maintenance, and special services and programs. The Director of Counseling Services must demonstrate school leadership with a focus on the development of the whole child, possess a vision for high school students, and serve as both leader and mentor to the high-school staff. The Director, as required, may perform administrative tasks outside the guidance/counseling field at the request and direction of the Principal.

Requirements

Experience working with students, families and staff from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Thorough knowledge of guidance and counseling techniques, programs, and practices and an ability to apply them to the needs of high school students.
Knowledge of master schedule building.
Thorough knowledge of special education law, requirements, procedures, and processes.
Ability to administer the school-based guidance and counseling services required for the assigned school.
Ability to gain and retain the confidence and cooperation of students, professional staff, parents, and support staff.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to meet required deadlines, balance the demands of competing responsibilities, tailor and deliver programs that meet the demands of divergent groups.
Knowledge, interpretation, and implementation of local, state, and federal regulations related to public education, graduation requirements, transferring and awarding credit, standardized testing and mental health issues.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills preferred but not required.
Administrative and/or supervisory experience preferred.
Five years of successful experience as a classroom teacher or student services specialist; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that would provide the above noted knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Five years of successful experience as a school counselor; bilingual preferred or any equivalent combination of training and experience that would provide the above noted knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

Works under the general supervision of the school principal, and exercises independent professional judgment in organizing and directing the counseling program.
Coordinates the planning of counseling activities and designates responsibilities to counselors.
Promotes an effective and efficient instructional environment at the high school level by giving and receiving information and assistance, resolving conflicts, determining student placement, and participating in cooperative and collaborative efforts.
Participates in the development of school rules, policies, and programs relating to student conduct, student attendance, staff development, student records, etc., as part of the school's administrative team.
Coordinates the development of the master schedule and manages the complex master scheduling process.
Directs the registration and orientation of new students including students moving from high schools to colleges.
Arranges services for students with special needs and coordinate the 504 programs.
Coordinates school programs as well as programs offered through county and community agencies.
Plans, coordinates, and assists in evaluation of at-risk students.
Develops and coordinates school crisis intervention team.
Assists in development and administration of the Counseling Department’s budget.
Coordinates Counseling Department’s calendar with school district, community and Virginia calendars.
Supervises and participates in non-academic activities such as social affairs, publications, student clubs, and student award ceremonies.
Completes year-end reports and provides input to reports required by other staff members.
Attends and participates in school, district, Virginia, and national meetings, workshops and conferences related to education and/or counseling and keeps current with trends, methods, and techniques.
Plans, coordinates and supervises a program of counseling services involving a wide variety of student needs, including registration, adjustment to school life, maintenance of satisfactory scholastic performance, and placement.
Supervises and evaluates a staff of professional counselors, the registrar, clerical staff, paraprofessionals, and other student services staff as assigned.
Coordinates and develops professional development programs for staff and parents (e.g., substance abuse, child abuse, legal and ethical standards, and managing students in crisis).
Manages and supervises college/career preparation programs and transition programs within the school.
Coordinates standardized testing and final exam procedures.