School Counselor K12

Shiprock Associated Schools•Shiprock, NM

11d

About The Position

The School Counselor provides a comprehensive K–12 academic and guidance counseling program supporting students’ academic achievement, college and career readiness, and personal/social development in accordance with New Mexico PED school counseling competencies and requirements for Tribally Controlled Schools. This is an academic and guidance counseling role distinct from School Social Worker and behavioral health positions. The counselor advises students on course selection, scheduling, credit accrual, and graduation requirements; supports enrollment and course placement; delivers age-appropriate guidance lessons; coordinates college and career readiness activities and assigned assessments; and uses student data to inform planning. The position provides short-term, solution-focused counseling for academic and school-related concerns and refers students who need longer-term or clinical mental health services to appropriate providers. It also involves collaboration with school staff and families, maintaining compliant counseling records, maintaining licensure, protecting confidentiality, reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, and participating in professional development and SASI activities. Some activities may require evening or nighttime work. The position is evaluated under Governing School Board-approved Shiprock Associated Schools, Inc. policies and procedures.

Requirements

Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, including 36–42 graduate hours in school counseling and a practicum in a school setting.
Valid New Mexico PED School Counselor license (Pre K–12), or eligibility with application completed and license issued within the timeframe specified by the employer.
Passing score on the PRAXIS School Counselor examination (5422), as required by NMPED for licensure.
Knowledge of fiscal compliance requirements under P.L. 100-297, IDEA, and P.L. 107-110 (ESSA).
Obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
Maintain a valid, insurable driver’s license.
Pass extensive background checks and fingerprinting under the cited federal regulations and laws.
Ability to understand, speak, read, and write English.
Ability to maintain harmonious interpersonal relationships with SASI staff, students, parents, and community members.
Ability to recognize when to refer problems and situations to a higher authority and willingness to do so.
Ability to demonstrate new skills and subject areas through formal training.
Ability to prepare oral and written reports and follow specific written instructions.
Meet professional and ethical conduct expectations and protect confidential information.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Navajo/English skills.
Knowledge of the language(s), traditions, and culture of the Shiprock community.
Knowledge of the physical, economic, and social environment of the Shiprock community that may affect student progress.
Knowledge of appropriate professional relationships with Native American students and parents.
Experience as a school counselor in a K–12 school or in a tribal or Bureau of Indian Education-funded setting.
Familiarity with the ASCA National Model or a comparable comprehensive school counseling framework.
Knowledge of NASIS or similar student information systems.
Dependability and punctuality in work attendance.
Preferential consideration for documented Navajo tribal members who meet the qualifications, in accordance with the Navajo Preference in Employment Act.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive K–12 school counseling program addressing academic, career/college, and personal/social development.
Advise students on course selection, scheduling, credit accrual, and graduation requirements; monitor progress and identify students at risk of falling behind.
Assist with new student enrollment, transfer of records, and course placement.
Provide age-appropriate guidance lessons and classroom presentations as scheduled.
Coordinate college and career readiness activities, including college applications, financial aid/FAFSA guidance, scholarships, career exploration, and post-secondary planning.
Coordinate administration of standardized and state-required assessments as scheduled and assigned.
Interpret assessment, academic, and enrollment data to guide student planning and inform school-wide decisions.
Provide short-term, solution-focused counseling to individual students or small groups on academic and school-related concerns.
Refer students needing longer-term or clinical mental health services to the School Social Worker, behavioral health staff, or outside providers, as appropriate.
Participate in SAT, 504, and/or IEP meetings as requested to provide guidance-related input.
Support school-wide attendance, discipline, and student engagement initiatives in coordination with other student support staff.
Consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators, Special Education staff, residential staff, and student support staff.
Communicate with parents/guardians about student academic progress, course planning, and graduation requirements.
Participate in parent conferences and family/community engagement events as assigned.
Maintain accurate, organized student counseling records and documentation in compliance with SASI policy, FERPA, IDEA, and other applicable law.
Maintain NMPED licensure in good standing and meet renewal and continuing professional development requirements.
Comply with and carry out responsibilities in accordance with SASI policies and procedures.
Represent SASI professionally and maintain ethical conduct and welcoming interactions with staff, students, parents, and visitors.
Work as a team member with SASI staff and protect confidentiality of student and personnel information.
Report suspected child abuse/neglect in accordance with BIE SCAN Protocols.
Pursue professional growth through reading, workshops, seminars, conferences, in-services, and scheduled trainings.
Participate in SASI-sponsored activities, some of which may require evening/night work.
Perform other duties as assigned.