School Counselor

About the position

Under the general supervision of the Alternative School Director, the counselor provides middle and high school students, parents, administrators, and teaching staff with information on career and educational opportunities, assess and create student schedules, administers and interprets career assessment tools, and assists students with developing educational and occupational goals and plans.

Responsibilities

• Provides guidance to middle and high school students in an effort to enhance academic, social, and emotional success in school.
• Assists with the registration and orientation of students who are new to TLC regarding procedures and educational opportunities.
• Helps middle and high school students begin the career exploration process.
• Educates students about self-awareness and self-esteem; teaches problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Identifies students' leadership skills; helps students cope with divorce or loss; educates students on bullying.
• Provides individual and small group counseling services.
• Makes referrals to outside services, such as child protective services or other social service agencies, when appropriate.
• Evaluates middle and high school students' aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other data.
• Monitors middle and high school students' progress for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success.
• Creates class schedules for middle and high school students.
• Assists students with evaluating career interests and choices, and in making course selections.
• Researches educational and career opportunities, and coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists, and business and community organizations.
• Assists high school students with post high school admissions, scholarship and identifying employment opportunities.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Assists with the school district's dropout prevention efforts.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers.

Requirements

• Georgia Certification as a Guidance Counselor.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in education discipline (applicable to school level preferred).
• Masters Degree in School Counseling.
• Successful experience as a school counselor is preferred.
• Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students, including virtual school policies and others.
• Knowledge of pre/post high school program eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of college/university admissions processes, scholarship programs and other educational opportunities.
• Knowledge of business and industry trends regarding career opportunities and employment.