At-Risk Counselor

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Hold a Master's degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university.
2. Meet the Arizona certification requirements for counselor.
3. Some experience with supervision in a school setting.
4. Must have knowledge of Navajo culture and language.

REPORTS TO: School Principal
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 10 months
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:
Develop and deliver the school counseling curriculum in a classroom setting.
Assist students in the areas of academic and social/emotional development by using the best counseling techniques.
Provide individual and small group counseling in a variety of settings.
Consult and collaborate with teachers, staff and parents in understanding and meeting the needs of students in the school setting.
Make appropriate referrals of students and parents to outside agencies and specialists. Participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.
Pursue continuous professional growth to stay abreast of the field.
Promote an understanding and appreciation of the Native culture.
Prepare students for the transition to the next level to junior high school.
Assist in management of the school in the absence of the school principal.
Assist with developing a school improvement plan. Implement action plans as it relates to counseling sessions.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.Provide individual planning sessions to students in the areas of academic, social problems, attendance, poor peer relationship, behavior problems and family issues.
2. In-classroom presentation to students using the approved PATHS curriculum for the purpose of teaching violence prevention strategies.
3. Conduct parenting skills session for parents of students that are identified as highly at-risk academically and socially.
4. Assist with administration of the achievement tests, interpret tests, student data and other assessment results appropriately in the counseling environment.
5. Provide information and skills to parents, school staff, administration and the community to assist them in helping students in academic and social development.
6. Take a leadership role in the infusion of counseling content into the curriculum, staff development and parent education programs.
7. Assist parents in addressing school related problems and issues. Refer students and their parents, as needed, to appropriate specialists, special programs and/or outside agencies.
8. Promote the liaison and coordination of school activities and resources and communicate between and among home, school and community agencies.
9. Deliver the curriculum in a systematic manner using diverse strategies and settings.
10. Plan, implement, maintain and evaluate the systems necessary for the support, maintenance and improvement of the counseling program (School Improvement Plan).
11. Develop and maintain skills needed to utilize technology systems and participate in professional development activities.

1. Participate in school decision making and in activities which contribute to the effective operation of the school.
2. Cooperate and collaborate with other professionals in enhancing the education of students. Communicate with the principal, teachers and staff, parents and students as to the role of the school counseling program in the overall education process of the school.
3. Complete monthly reports and other required paperwork.
4. Assist the school principal as acting in the absence of the principal.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of local policies and state and federal laws pertaining to school counseling.
6. Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the school principal.