Guidance Counselor

Farmington Municipal Schools•Farmington, NM

42d•Onsite

About The Position

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 meeting the Competencies for New Mexico School Counselors.

Requirements

A Master's degree in school Counseling or National Certified Counselor credential issued by the Nation Board for Certified Counselors
A valid New Mexico counselor license
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.

Responsibilities

Support existing programs focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and vocational 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.
Coordinate activities that support the guidance and counseling program.
Provide information and facilitate guidance activities for students, staff and parents.
Serve as a consultant to the school and community
Provide individual and group short-term interventions based upon current need.
Uphold the standards of the counseling profession.
Determine guidance priorities and formulate measureable objectives based upon local assessed needs
Provide regular feedback to school administration on the evaluation of the current guidance 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 orientation/training programs for 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
Provide information to parents and students to aid in their understanding of educational goals
Interpret test results to students, parents and staff
Provide resource materials and expertise dealing with issues affecting students, staff and family
Provide crisis intervention with a team as appropriate
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 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
Supervise extracurricular activities as designated by the principal
Determine schedules (Middle and High School)
Provide information on colleges, technical programs, military jobs and other programs for graduate planning (Middle and High School)
Write recommendations for students for job and education applications (Middle and High School)
Participate in school teams/committees
Support district initiatives
Accept other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the principal