School Counselor (grades 6-8)

Wilson County School District•Watertown, TN

19h

About The Position

The School Counselor (Secondary) helps students overcome problems that impede learning and assists them in making educational, career, personal, and social plans. The position serves students in grades 6–8 and reports to the Building Principal. It is an exempt position with a 220-day schedule, in a normal working environment. The counselor supports students with academic planning, career exploration, testing, and personal or social concerns. The role includes individual and group counseling, coordination with families and school personnel, and providing information and recommendations related to postsecondary education and financial assistance. The counselor is expected to attend work regularly and on time and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Hold a valid Tennessee teacher's license with the appropriate endorsement.
Meet health and physical requirements.
Demonstrate adaptability in performing varied duties and changing tasks without loss of efficiency or composure.
Demonstrate adaptability in accepting responsibility for directing, controlling, or planning activities.
Demonstrate adaptability to working with students.
Demonstrate adaptability in making generalizations, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria.
Ability to understand instructions and underlying principles, reason, and make judgments.
Ability to understand word meanings and associated ideas.
Ability to perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately.
Ability to understand and interpret information presented in graphs, charts, or tables.
May be required to lift or carry objects exceeding 50 pounds, with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
May be required to kneel, hear, see, and talk.

Responsibilities

Assist students in course and subject selections.
Identify potential dropouts and work with teachers, parents, building-level administration, and other appropriate school personnel to prevent students from dropping out.
Provide student information to colleges and potential employers in accordance with legal provisions and board of education policy on student records.
Make recommendations to colleges for admission and scholarships.
Provide scholarship and financial assistance information to students and parents, including financial aid workshops.
Coordinate homebound services at the building level.
Secure assignments for students placed in the Modified Academic Program.
Plan field trips to schools, colleges, and industry for interested students.
Obtain and disseminate occupational information to students.
Help students evaluate career interests and choices.
Organize and conduct an annual career day.
Interpret test results to students and parents.
Organize and conduct small-group meetings on topics such as drug abuse, stress, study skills, anger, and conflict resolution.
Work individually with students to address personal problems related to home and family relations, health, and emotional adjustment.
Provide counseling to students experiencing problems with attendance, retention, and discipline.
Confer with parents whenever necessary.
Schedule conferences with teachers, administrators, parents, and others as appropriate.
Review four-year plans and make needed suggestions.
Attend work regularly and on time.
Perform other duties as assigned.
In schools with more than one counselor, ensure one counselor is in the counseling office at all times.