School Counselor 211 Days

Hamilton County Schools•East Ridge, TN

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this job is to support student achievement and to assist them in making social, educational, and occupational decisions that will assist in students’ lifelong development as mature and responsible citizens. East Ridge Middle School, nestled in the heart of Chattanooga, TN, is a vibrant and diverse learning community where students in grades 6–8 grow academically, socially, and personally. Built on the pillars of engagement, connection, motivation, and service, ERMS is more than just a school—it’s a place where every child is empowered to succeed. Our Vision is to develop responsible citizens through academic excellence, strong character, and social growth. Guided by The Pioneer Way, our mission is to empower students to be Respectful, Responsible, Resilient, and Ready—values that shape every interaction and create a culture of belonging. We proudly serve a student body that reflects the richness of our community: 56% Hispanic, 26% African American, 15% White, and 3% Asian, Native American, or Pacific Islander combined. We are deeply committed to equity and access for all learners. Aligned with Hamilton County Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate, we prepare students to thrive academically, solve problems with resilience, communicate effectively, and engage in their community with cultural awareness. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or through service, ERMS students learn to take calculated risks, persevere through challenges, and work toward common goals. We are seeking staff members who can build strong relationships with a diverse group of students, parents, and staff. You will be a great fit on our team if you collaborate with others, embrace innovative and engaging strategies, work as a team player, and believe every student has the ability to learn. At East Ridge Middle School, we are more than a school—we are a family of Pioneers, paving the way for brighter futures, one student at a time.

Requirements

Master’s degree and a valid Tennessee School Service Personnel License for School Counseling pre-K-12 are required.
Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members.
Demonstrates excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.

Responsibilities

Maintains appropriate licensure and acknowledges that continued employment with the Hamilton County Department of Education is contingent upon providing required documentation to validate licensure in a timely manner.
Reviews a variety of student assessment data to ensure continuous improvement in measurable student performance and achievement.
Coordinates and administers standardized testing as appropriate in accordance with district policies and state law.
Implements district, state, and federal policies, regulations, and laws, where appropriate.
Works to discover and develop special abilities of students, with a long-term goal of high school graduation.
Registers students new to the school and orients them to school procedures and the school’s varied opportunities for learning.
Counsels students on an individual or small-group basis to develop resolution and/or coping skills when dealing with personal problems related to school, home, health, and emotional issues that may impact educational achievement and /or school attendance.
Plans student field trips as appropriate to schools, colleges, and industry.
Confidently initiates, assembles, maintains, interprets, and appropriately transfers accurate health, attendance, cumulative progress, activity, and uniform transcript records for assigned students.
Makes recommendations to colleges for admissions and scholarships; assists students in the preparation and processing of college, scholarship, and employment applications.
Confers with parents on a regular basis as appropriate.
Communicates the role of the school counselor and available services to students, parents, and community.
Assists students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and works with students in evolving educational and occupational plans in terms of such evaluation.
Advises and assists students in course and subject selection.
Follows established procedures to ensure assigned areas are safe.
Works collaboratively with all stakeholders.
Attends work and arrives to work on time.
Maintains confidentiality.
Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
Performs related duties, such as sponsoring a student organization or activity. Attends and/or supervises school sponsored events as required.
Complies with accounting and financial policies and procedures involving the handling of money and property, as well as other Board policies.
Use computers and other technology to enter and access information related to essential job functions.
Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
May operate a motor vehicle to conduct various work activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.