Middle School Counselor

Lexington County School District One•Pleasant Hill, SC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Middle School Counselor promotes equity and access to rigorous educational experiences for all students through leadership, advocacy, and collaboration. The counselor supports a safe learning environment, safeguards the rights of members of the school community, and addresses student needs through culturally relevant prevention and intervention programs within a comprehensive school counseling program. The counselor also assists with other school and district programs as assigned. The role develops and implements a school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model, South Carolina’s Comprehensive School Counseling and Career Guidance Model, the South Carolina Education and Economic Development Act, and school board policies. Responsibilities include delivering direct and indirect student services, assessing program effectiveness and student outcomes, and completing an Individual Graduation Plan for every eighth-grade student. The counselor supervises students as appropriate and may be responsible for the school counseling materials and supplies budget, if applicable. This is an exempt, full-time school-year position with terms of employment of 8 hours per day for 190 days on the Certified Salary Schedule. The position reports to the Principal. The work is conducted in a school environment, with limited travel and occasional irregular or extended hours. Some extended hours and competing demands are frequently required; counseling work may involve tight deadlines, legal ramifications, and crisis or emergency issues.

Requirements

Master’s degree in school counseling.
Valid South Carolina certification or licensure under applicable standards.
Current government-issued identification.
Reliable transportation.
Personal computer experience and computer literacy.
Knowledge of word processing, email, spreadsheets, electronic file management, the internet, and reporting and presentation software.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and high standards of accuracy.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, orally and in writing, and establish effective relationships with students, staff, and the school community.
Ability to organize work, manage multiple tasks, work independently and with a group, and meet deadlines with limited direct supervision.
Ability to apply current knowledge and research and to perform duties in accordance with district requirements and board policies.

Responsibilities

Support the mission, vision, and strategic goals of Lexington County School District One to improve student outcomes.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders and establish a safe, supportive, positive, and productive working and learning environment.
Promote and implement a school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model, South Carolina’s Comprehensive School Counseling and Career Guidance Model, the South Carolina Education and Economic Development Act, and school board policies.
Deliver developmentally appropriate direct student services, including instruction, appraisal and advisement, and counseling.
Deliver indirect student services, including consultation, collaboration, and referrals.
Complete an Individual Graduation Plan for each eighth-grade student.
Assess the counseling program and its effectiveness, report student outcomes, and participate in annual performance appraisal and professional self-assessment.
Uphold the ethical and professional standards of the American School Counselor Association and other applicable professional counseling associations.
Maintain confidentiality of employee and student information.
Operate general office and technology equipment and maintain materials, supplies, and equipment safely and appropriately.
Participate in required professional meetings and training sessions.
Supervise students as appropriate in implementing the school counseling program.
Manage the school counseling materials and supplies budget, if applicable.
Submit requested reports and documentation accurately and by established deadlines.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.