PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SCHOOLS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:  School Counselor 

FLSA:   Exempt Professional 

REPORTS TO:  Principal

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  10-month employee

QUALIFICATIONS 

REQUIRED:

• Must have a Master’s Degree
• Must have a Postgraduate Professional License
• Must have Virginia licensure as School Counselor Pre-kindergarten (PK)-12    

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university and possession of or ability to obtain a Virginia postgraduate professional license with an endorsement as a school counselor and some experience in counseling.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of school counseling; thorough knowledge of special education policies and procedures; thorough knowledge of standardized testing procedures; thorough knowledge of school administration; thorough knowledge of community agencies available to serve and assist students; general knowledge of casework methods and procedures; ability to conduct interview sessions effectively and to analyze attitudes and problems objectively; ability to counsel students and parents on sensitive problems and to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and outside agencies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Performs difficult professional work advising, assisting, orienting, testing and counseling students; consults with and reports to parents, teachers, administrators and support personnel; does related work as required. Work is performed under the general supervision of the school Principal.

• Counsels with students on an individual and/or group basis. Consults, orients and conducts training with parents individually and in small groups by telephone and in person.
• Prepares and presents sessions to students regarding personal growth, school adjustment, career development, self-concept, attendance and related matters.
• Provides scheduled and spontaneous discussions with teachers, administrators, parents and outside agency personnel;
• Provides classroom group counseling sessions.
• Participates in child study and eligibility committees for special education.
• Registers students and provides orientation regarding procedures and expectations, advises on subject selection.
• Schedules, keeps records and administers tests, reports and interprets test results for students, parents and administrators.
• Provides academic counseling.
• Counsels students in the solution of personal problems, explores possible interventions and strategies on matters such as physical, mental or substance abuse, rape, pregnancy or suicide
• Provides information on programs and services regarding college, employment and other alternatives.
• Serves as liaison with school and community services, court services, social services, etc.
• Verifies rank and grade point averages; maintains records and generates reports using the Student Information System.
• Prepares and maintains enrollment and scheduling information and assists in recognition and other incentive programs.
• May serve as school Test Coordinator.
• Performs related tasks as required.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Attends all meetings and training sessions as directed
• Assists administrators with the administration and interpretation of standardized tests scores for students and parents
• Facilitates informational evening sessions for parents regarding financial aid, Advanced Placement coursework, and college night
• Attends Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 meetings
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal or his/her designee