Description
Position Title: High School Counselor
Location: Southampton County Public Schools Academy
Reports To: Principal
Job Summary:
The High School Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive counseling services to students in grades 9-12 at Southampton County Public Schools Academy. This role includes supporting students' academic, career, and personal development, assisting with college and career planning, and promoting a positive school environment. The High School Counselor collaborates with teachers, administrators, and parents to address student needs and foster their overall well-being.
Key Responsibilities:
Student Support:
- Provide individual and group counseling to address academic, career, and personal concerns.
- Assist students in developing coping strategies, decision-making skills, and conflict resolution abilities.
- Monitor student progress and provide interventions as necessary to support academic and personal success.
Academic and Career Planning:
- Assist students with academic planning, including course selection, graduation requirements, and goal setting.
- Provide guidance on college applications, scholarships, financial aid, and career exploration.
- Support students in developing and implementing post-secondary plans and career goals.
Crisis Intervention:
- Provide immediate support and intervention for students experiencing crises, such as family issues, bullying, or mental health concerns.
- Develop and implement crisis response plans and safety plans for students at risk.
- Collaborate with community agencies and resources to provide additional support for students and families in crisis.
Collaboration:
- Work closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to support student development and address academic and behavioral concerns.
- Participate in grade-level and school-wide meetings to discuss student progress and develop intervention strategies.
- Serve as a resource for teachers and staff, providing guidance on best practices in supporting student mental health and well-being.
Program Development:
- Develop and implement school-wide programs and initiatives to promote a positive school climate and support student development.
- Conduct workshops and presentations on topics such as college readiness, career planning, and personal development.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and make recommendations for improvement.
Parent and Community Engagement:
- Communicate regularly with parents about their child's progress and ways to support their development at home.
- Organize and participate in school and community events that promote student well-being and academic success.
- Develop and distribute materials and resources to support parents in addressing their child's needs.
Professional Development:
- Stay current with the latest research and best practices in school counseling and student development.
- Attend workshops, conferences, and other professional development activities related to school counseling.
- Provide professional development opportunities for teachers and staff to enhance their ability to support student well-being.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in School Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
- Valid state certification as a School Counselor.
- Previous experience in school counseling or working with high school students preferred.
- Strong knowledge of counseling techniques, college and career planning, and crisis intervention strategies.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and parents.
- Proficiency in the use of technology for communication and record-keeping.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit, stand, and move freely for extended periods.
- Capacity to lift and move educational materials and supplies as necessary.
- Ability to supervise and interact with students in a variety of settings.
Work Environment:
- Work is performed in a school setting and may require traveling between classrooms and schools.
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for school events and meetings.
Note: The job description listed above is not exhaustive and may include additional responsibilities not listed here.
Southampton County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.