GUIDANCE COUNSELOR:

Local charter school is seeking a HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR to assist students in developing social skills and succeeding in school. The position will also provide support with the process of making career decisions by helping students choose a career or educational program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Help students understand and overcome social or behavioral problems through individual and group counseling

·         Provide individual and small group counseling based on student needs.

·         Work with students to develop skills such as organization, time management, and effective study habits.

·         Help students set realistic academic and career goals and develop a plan to achieve them.

·         Evaluate students’ abilities and interests through aptitude assessments and interviews.

·         Develop strategies with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students succeed.

·         Teach classes on topics such as bullying, drug abuse, and planning for college or careers after graduation.

·         Identify and report possible cases of neglect or abuse.

·         Refer students and parents to resources outside the school for additional support.

·         Advise students making academic and career plans.

·         Help students with personal problems that interfere with their education.

·         Provide advice to students on how to choose classes and plan for their lives after graduation.

·         Provide information about choosing and applying for colleges or training programs and for financial aid or apprenticeships.

·         Network with various employers, schools, colleges, and community resource organizations in an effort to promote Mentorship Academy and provide the best level of service possible to students and parents.

·         Assist students develop job search skills, such as writing résumés and interviewing.

·         Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior, and serve as a role model for all students.

·         Remain knowledgeable and comply with all school, local, state, and federal regulations.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Observe students and visitors’ behavior on the campus.

·         Coordinate with other staff for planning emergency exit plans for fire, inclement weather, or acts of terrorism.

·         Communicate with law enforcement and other security authorities upon request or subpoena.

·         May attend charter meetings and other public meetings to provide updates or learn of changes within the school, as needed.

·         Complete additional tasks as deemed necessary and/or requested.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSURE:

·         Master’s Degree in School Counseling or related field.

·         One year of experience in an educational institution.

·         Certificate in Counseling as required by the Louisiana State Department of Education.

·         Knowledge of federal, state, local laws and regulations within educational institutions; charter schools preferred.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

·         Communication Skills – Must be able to collaborate with other teachers, students, and parents and members of emergency response and law enforcement in written and verbal form.

·         Intuitive Skills – Must be alert at all times and in tune to surroundings; verbal and non-verbal cues.

·         Judgment and Decision-Making Skills – Must be able to rely on experience and knowledge to make quick judgment calls and find resolve with those decisions.

·         Knowledge – Must be knowledgeable of current community resources, scholarships, and counseling strategies and practices within a school environment.

·         Computer Skills – Must have demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other related career software programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

·         Mental Capacity –Must be able to think critically and analytically to decipher student and parent reports and conversation for further assistance.

·         Frequent walking; some sitting, stooping, bending, crawling, running, as needed.

·         Must have great hand and eye coordination to handle multiple objects in varied events.

·         Some lifting, pushing/pulling in excess of least 50 lbs. as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

·         Climate – controlled office environment.

·         Regular noise levels.

·         No vibrations.

This organization is an equal opportunity employer.