School Guidance Counselor

ORANGE BOARD OF EDUCATION GUIDANCE COUNSELOR NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB: Assumes professional responsibility for providing comprehen sive developmental guidance and counseling services in the areas of educational and career planning, and social and emotional development so that each student develops the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to meet and exceed the State Core Curriculum Content Standards. Working collaboratively with other members of the school staff and with parents, the Guidance Counselor acts as an advocate for the student, arranging for appropriate resources when necessary, and assisting students in understanding the school and its environment, understanding themselves and their relationships with others, understanding their streng ths and n eeds, and planning for future educational and career opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Hold a valid New Jersey educational services certificate in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:27.1 et seq., and N.J.A.C. Title 6 Chapter 11 with a student personnel services endorsement (N.J.A.C. 6:11 -11.11) and other appropriate endorsement (s) in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6:11-10.1 et seq..
2. Hold a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the components of a comprehensive developmental guidance program, child grow th and development, strategies for effective career and educational planning, learning assessment and diagnosis, research related to learning and the resources available in the school and community to assist secondary students.
4. Hold and maintain a valid driver's license with no serious violations (if applicable to assignment).
5. Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
6. Exhibit a personality that demonstrates interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administrators, parents, and the community.
7. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
8. Provide proof of U. S. citizenship or legal resident alien status by completing Fede ral Form I-9 in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
9. Provide evidence that a criminal record history check has been conducted and clearance has been given by the Department of Education. During the initial six month period, provi de a sworn statement that the individual has not been convicted of a crime or a disorderly person's offense in accordance with 18A:6-7.1.
10. Provide evidence that health is adequate to fulfill the job functions and responsibilities with reasonable accommodation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12101 and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6:3 - 4A-4.
11. Pass the State required Mantoux Intradermal Tuberculin Test as required by N.J.A.C. 6:3 -4A-
13. Meet such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.

VERIFICATION OF COMPETENCY:

1. District Application and/or resume.
2. Required documentation outlined in the qualifications above.
3. A minimum of three letters of reference from former employers, teachers, professors or other professional sources, or copies of recent evaluations when guidance services and teaching were performed.
4. College transcripts.
5. Employment interview.

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR REPORTS TO: BUILDING PRINCIPAL SUPERVISOR OF GUIDANCE SUPERVISES: N/A SALARY: COMMENSURATE W / EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE UNION AFFILIATION: ORANGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION EMPLOYMENT TERMS: 10 MONTHS

1 JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Establishes high standards and expectations for all students for academic performance and responsibility for behavior.
2. Develops with the student and then monitor a sequential educational plan of studies and experiences leading to graduation and demonstrated proficiency in the Core Curriculum Content Standards, consistent with the needs, interests, and skill levels of the student. The plan shall include parent approval and the student accepting responsibility for learning and successful performance.
3. When applicable, develops with the student post -high school plans. Assists students with developing a student portfolio, including resume, employment and college applications, transcript, attendance records, extra -curricular records, accomplishments, recommendations from school personnel, letters of reference, and other information that the student can use to demonstrate competency when applying for employment and/or future educational endeavors.
4. When applicable, organizes and disseminates career, employment, and college opportunities, scholarship, financial aid, and other information about resources available to students and parents.
5. Assists with maintaining and updating catalogues, displays, and materials.
6. Ensures that the materials and distribution meet affirmative action mandates and are free of stereotyping.
7. Participates when requested on the Pupil Assistance Committee. Assist s in the assessment and diagnosis of the learning, social, and emotional needs and styles of students, using a variety of techniques.
8. Counsels individual students to resolve educational, personal, emotional, and social needs and other areas of concern ide ntified by the counselor, student, parents, teachers, administrators, child study team members, or others associated with the student.
9. Adheres to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and regula tions, school regulations and procedures, and contractual obligations.
10. Monitors student absences and lateness.
11. Contacts parents to ensure regular attendance.
12. Makes arrangements for assignments to be sent home for students who are to be absent for long periods of time.
13. Provides counseling services, including crisis intervention, to students experiencing difficulty with student growth and performance, referring students to other resources and agencies as needed.
14. Assists students in evaluating their aptitu des and abilities through the use of teacher comments, interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data. Work s with students in evolving educational and career plans in terms of such evaluation.
15. Maintains student records and ensure their confidentiality.
16. Provides information and prepare recommendations to colleges for admissions and scholarships, as well as to potenti al employers and other agencies.
17. Notifies immediately appropriate personnel of evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids.
18. Works closely with teachers, administrators and other professional staff members, providing information and assistance where needed for the ultimate benefit of students.
19. Maintains a close relationship with the Child Study Team.
20. Works closely with, and involve parents in planning students' career plans, and assist in the resolution of school-related problems.
21. Assists in the organization and administration of standardized test programs.
22. Interviews students new to the school, provide orientation and information relative to school procedures, curriculum and extra - curricular opportunities.
23. Participates in follow-up studies of former students for the purpose of improving services and evaluating the ef fectiveness of the educational program being offered by the school.
24. Works to prevent students from dropping out of school, and assist those that do in finding alternative educational programs and/or employment.
25. Arranges for summer work and/or enrollment in summer school programs to make up noted deficiencies.
26. Maintains a professional office environment.
27. Follows the ethical standards for school counselors set forth by the American School Counselor Association.
28. Assists in the evaluation of current curriculum offerings and in the planning, selection and implementation of new course offerings.
29. Completes mandated training programs as required by law.
30. Completes the required 20 clock hours of State-approved continuing professional development annually in accordance with State and district procedures, as specified in the Professional Improvement Plan (N.J.A.C. 6:11-13); as well as, attendance compliance to mandated district professional development days and sessions.
31. Completes and adheres to district mandates as directed by the District Superintendent or designee; i.e. non-negotiables, bulletins, emails, goals and objectives, etc.
32. Performs other duties as assigned by the building administrator, Supervisor of Guidance and/or the Director of Special Services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing this job the staff member shall:

1. Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
2. Sit, stand and walk for required periods of time.
3. Speak, hear and demonstrate evidence of understanding.
4. Use close vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
5. Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
6. Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, computers, and/or controls.

2 ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: The environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive.

1. Exposure to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses.
2. Occasional exposure to a variety of weather conditions.
3. Exposure to heated/air conditioned and ventilated facilities.
4. Exposure to a building in which a variety of chemical substances are used for cleaning, instruction, and/or operation of equipment.
5. Function in a workplace that is usually moderately quiet but that can be noisy at times.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy and/or State Law.

THE ORANGE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Revised: 1/13/2015 Revised: 3/18/2014