School Counselor - Church Hill Middle School 26-27

Reports To: School Administrator and Director of Schools

Qualifications: School counselors shall hold a school services personnel license with the school counselor endorsement. (Rules 0520-02-03-05)

Candidates seeking a practitioner school services personnel licensure and endorsement as a school counselor shall meet the requirements of one (1) of the following pathways:

1. Pathway 1. The candidate:

(i) Holds an advanced degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university;

(ii) Has completed a State Board-approved educator preparation program in school counseling;

(iii) Is recommended by the approved educator preparation provider; and

(iv) Submits qualifying scores on all required assessments as defined in the Professional Assessments for Tennessee Educators Policy.

1. Pathway 2. The candidate:

 (i) Holds a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university;

(ii) Is enrolled in a State Board-approved educator preparation program in school counseling with a job embedded clinical practice;

(iii) Is recommended by the approved educator preparation provider; and

(iv) Submits qualifying scores on all required assessments as defined in the Professional Assessments for Tennessee Educators Policy.

1. Pathway 3. The candidate:

(i) Holds an advanced degree in a counseling field;

(ii) Is enrolled in a State Board-approved educator preparation program in school counseling;

(iii) Has completed a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours of coursework in school counseling;

(iv) Is recommended by the approved educator preparation provider;

(v) Submits required supervision agreement between the LEA and approved educator preparation provider; and

(vi) Submits qualifying scores on all required assessments as defined in the Professional Assessments for Tennessee Educators Policy.

1. Pathway 4. The out-of-state candidate: 

(i) Holds an advanced degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university;

(ii) Has completed an educator preparation program in school counseling approved by a state other than Tennessee as evidenced by a recommendation from the out-of-state educator preparation provider where the educator completed preparation; and

(iii) Submits qualifying scores on all required assessments as defined in the Professional Assessments for Tennessee Educators Policy.

1. Pathway 5. The out-of-state candidate:

(i) Holds an advanced degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university; and

(ii) Holds a full and valid out-of-state initial level school counselor license from a state that is a partner in the NASDTEC interstate agreement.

(b) Out-of-state candidates seeking a professional school services personnel licensure and endorsement as a school counselor shall hold an advanced degree in school counseling and hold a full and valid out-of-state professional level educator license from a state that is a partner in the NASDTEC interstate agreement.

(c) School counselors who serve in a supervisory role shall have a professional school services personnel license with an endorsement in school counseling.

Purpose Statement:  The primary function of the school counselor is to provide a comprehensive competency-based counseling program focused on the learning, personal/social and career/vocational needs of all students.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Adhere to and support board policy, school guidelines, administrative rules and directives. Make him/herself available to all students seeking guidance and counseling services. Advocate on behalf of the student and/or his/her family.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students.
• Facilitate outreach efforts to provide services to students, parents/guardians, and staff. Connect students, parents/guardians, and staff with specialized referral agencies. Understand, evaluate, and interpret academic performance data.
• Interpret information about students to the student, their parents/guardians, and staff. Implement individual and group counseling methods that are appropriate.
• Conduct career and educational planning activities.
• Participate in in-service activities promoted by the district. Submit required reports promptly and accurately.
• Regular and predictable attendance is a core requirement of this position.
• Regular, effective interpersonal communication with team members and stakeholders is required.
• Other duties as assigned to ensure the success of Hawkins County Schools and safety of all students and staff.

Capacity and Ability Requirements: The usual job demands require the following physical requirements: some lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, and physical dexterity. 

Terms of Employment: Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the district’s approved compensation plan.  The length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the district.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Hawkins County School Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.