School Counselor

Job Description

The School Counselor oversees the academic support of college-bound students while promoting and enhancing their personal, social, emotional, spiritual and career development. The Counselor coordinates communication between the school and the family and with teachers.  Other duties include conducting individualized and/or group sessions with the students, serving as a resource for faculty, staff, and parents regarding the developmental needs of the students, and referring students and their parents to community agencies, programs, or specialists as appropriate.  The Counselor exhibits dedication to the mission and vision of Mount de Sales Academy.  The Counselor must possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills that allow for communication with all levels of the school constituents.  

The School Counselor in Mount de Sales Academy is expected to be a highly skilled professional person who works in close collaboration with the administration so that he/she may effectively fulfill the various roles that must be assumed during the day.  Mount de Sales Academy seeks to offer a high-quality program that is integrated with religious truths and values.  The Counselor strives to provide opportunities for the students to be prepared for life in today’s Church and society through a strong basic formation in the beliefs, values and traditions of the Catholic Church.  The Counselor supports these basic beliefs, values and traditions in communications, personal demeanor, and lifestyle.  The Counselor is expected to model Gospel values in his or her spirit of service. Respect for the dignity of each person is of the utmost importance.  

Duties and Responsibilities  

The duties listed below are typically performed by an employee in this classification. However, an employee may not be assigned all duties or may be assigned duties which are not listed. The ASCA recommended ratio of students to counselors, which is 250:1 or better, is standard practice at Mount de Sales to provide the students with the best counseling support and programming.

Conduct structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions in response to the identified needs of individuals and groups of students.   

Act as personal, social, emotional, career, and academic counselor providing brief, solution-focused sessions to assigned students. Conduct periodic counseling with students who are underachieving, in serious academic difficulty, or experiencing social or emotional problems. 
Instruct individual students, small groups, or classrooms during designated times in improving academic skills, career exploration, study skills, time management, organizational skills, and test-taking strategies. 
Assist students with developing a four-year educational plan with course selections which are the most challenging and appropriate for graduation requirements and career plans.  
Advise students and parents in course selection process and transitioning to college.

Consult with and serving as a resource for teachers, staff, and parents regarding the developmental needs of the students.

Conduct and facilitate conferences with teachers, students, and parents.   
Model appropriate behavior with student, parent, and colleague interactions maintaining full confidentiality with information. 
Maintain records to document interactions, interventions, and decisions.

Utilize a variety of materials and resources for counseling programming.
Conduct or provide opportunities for parent education programs. 
Refer students and their parents to community agencies, programs or specialists as appropriate.

Fulfill professional responsibilities :

Assist in accurate recording and proper maintenance of student records including providing the required reports to the administration. 
Exercise confidentiality in sharing test results and other student information. 
Communicate regularly with the administration concerning issues that need to be addressed for the good of the student/students. 
Maintain a current understanding of student/school legal issues and procedures. 
Respond to concerns and inquiries in a timely and professional manner. 
Participate in Workshops and In-Service sessions as required.

Skills / Attributes 

Has excellent communication skills and an ability to work with students, parents, faculty, staff, and colleagues in a professional and collegial manner 
Knowledge of counseling theories
Ability to create and provide a comprehensive school counseling program that meets the needs of the current students, in conjunction with the Counseling Department

Professional Qualifications  

Holds a master’s degree from an accredited educational institution. 
Certification in School Counseling. Or Eligible for certification within six months of starting employment. Successful experience as a Counselor (preferred)

Knowledge of the Church’s teachings on moral issues

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