Middle School Counselor

Watervliet Public Schools•Watervliet, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Middle School Counselor will provide individual and small-group counseling to support students' academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs. This role involves collaboration with teaching staff, administration, families, and student support personnel. Key responsibilities include student scheduling, managing learning management systems, serving as the building Section 504 Coordinator and test coordinator for state and local assessments, and participating in special education IEP meetings. The counselor will also assist with career development, Educational Development Plans, and student transitions from middle school to high school and beyond. Professional development through counselor cohorts and participation in MTSS, attendance, student intervention, and school improvement efforts are also integral to the role. The position requires maintaining accurate student records and confidentiality, and performing other duties as assigned by the Middle School Principal or Superintendent. A core aspect of the role is creating and maintaining a positive, structured, caring, supportive, and safe learning environment for students.

Requirements

Master's degree in school counseling or related field
Possession of, or eligibility for, an appropriate Michigan school counselor credential.
Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to build positive relationships with middle school students.
Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, families, and community partners.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining confidentiality and sound professional judgment.

Nice To Haves

Previous middle school or school counseling experience.
Experience with student scheduling and student information systems.
Experience with Section 504 plans and state assessments.
Knowledge of MTSS, student intervention systems, career development, and Educational Development Plans.

Responsibilities

Provide individual and small-group counseling to support students' academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
Work collaboratively with teaching staff, administration, families, and student support personnel.
Work with the Principal and High School Guidance Counselor to schedule students through the district's student information system.
Work with the Director of Technology and Career Development to ensure course rosters are properly integrated with appropriate learning management systems.
Serve as the building Section 504 Coordinator.
Serve as the building test coordinator for state and local assessments.
Participate in special education IEP meetings as requested.
Assist students and staff with career development and Educational Development Plans.
Help students successfully transition from middle school to high school and begin planning for opportunities beyond high school.
Participate in counselor cohorts and professional learning through Berrien RESA and Van Buren ISD.
Support MTSS, attendance, student intervention, and school improvement efforts.
Assist students experiencing academic, attendance, behavioral, peer, family, or other school-related challenges.
Connect students and families with appropriate school and community resources.
Support district relationship-building and social-emotional initiatives, including Capturing Kids' Hearts.
Maintain accurate student records and appropriate confidentiality.
Perform other duties consistent with the role as assigned by the Middle School Principal or Superintendent.
Work collaboratively with teaching staff and administrative team.
Create and maintain a positive, structured, caring, supportive, and safe learning environment for students.