POSITION TITLE: Middle School Guidance Counselor

REPORTS TO: School Principal

DEPARTMENT: Administration

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Provides a comprehensive guidance program that meets the needs of students in grades six through eight. The counselor promotes and enhances academic, personal, social, and career development of all students.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Appropriate Guidance Counselor’s License as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

EXPECTATIONS:

The counselor is expected

1. To possess a thorough working knowledge of the complexities and nature of the middle school child,

2. To interact with students, parents, staff, and the community in a harmonious and cooperative manner,

3. To cope with emergency situations or changes in situations in a calm and professional manner,

4. To encourage the support of the community for all school programs, and

5. To monitor the latest developments in guidance and counseling in order to improve skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Implement the middle level guidance curriculum.

a. Conduct developmental guidance lessons in the classroom and in large and small groups.

b. Facilitate the integration of the guidance curriculum into the educational curricula.

c. Select topics and resources consistent with school and community mission statements and goals.

d. Conduct orientation activities for students new to the school.

e. Provide middle level transitional activities.

f. Assist students with developing educational goals.

g. Provide guidance for high school planning and application process for Blackstone Valley Vocational Technical High School.

h. Assist the principal and teachers with the administration of state-required testing programs.

i. Assist in the interpretation of test results.

2. Conduct structured goal-oriented counseling sessions in response to identified needs relative

to achievement and school success of individuals and groups of students.

3. Consult with and serve as a resource for teachers, staff, and parents regarding the

developmental needs of students.

a. Conduct and facilitate conferences with teachers, students, and parents.

b. Model appropriate behavior with students, parents, and collegial interactions.

c. Maintain accurate academic and other records to document interactions, interventions, and decisions.

4. Refer students and their parents to community agencies, programs, or specialists as

appropriate.

a. Maintain a comprehensive list of district and community resources.

b. Consult and coordinate with district and community agencies.

c. Consult with school staff members for appropriate student placement.

d. Conduct or provide referrals for parent education programs.

e. Report child abuse and child neglect in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws.

5. Participate in the evaluation and revision of the school guidance program.

a. Annually review the guidance program using appropriate self-study guidelines to insure that the program is in line with the school improvement plan and identified school objectives.

b. Plan the guidance program calendar.

c. Participate in developing a budget to support the guidance program.

6. Fulfill professional responsibilities.

a. Maintain confidentiality.

b. Maintain records consistent with ethical and legal guidelines.

c. Participate on the school-based crisis team.

d. Perform responsibilities in an organized, accurate, timely, and dependable manner.

e. Assist students with course selections that are the most challenging for their high school and career plans.

f. Operate within federal, state, and local laws and established district and school procedures and policies.

g. Provide support for other school and district programs and personnel.

h. Attend district in-services and meetings.

i. Keep informed of current professional trends.

j. Utilize computers effectively in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

k. Pursue professional growth.