Guidance & College Planning Counselor

Description:

SUMMARY

In collaboration with the school’s teachers and administration, the Guidance & College Planning Counselor advises and counsels students and provides educational and vocational guidance services. The duties of the Guidance & College Planning Counselor are focused on helping students achieve personal and academic success at FLCHS and beyond. The Counselor also provides crisis intervention services as needed.

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees.

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.

2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.

3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.

4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Counsels students to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational situations.
• Provides crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.
• Confers with parents or guardians, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to discuss children's progress, resolve behavioral, academic, and other problems, and to determine priorities for students and their resource needs.
• Maintains accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Prepares students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
• Identifies cases of domestic abuse or other family problems and encourages students or parents to seek additional assistance from mental health professionals.
• Counsels students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning.
• Instructs individuals in career development techniques, such as job search and application strategies, resume writing, and interview skills.
• Collaborates with teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programs and in the preparation of master schedules for curriculum offerings.
• Teaches classes and presents self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.
• Attends meetings, educational conferences, and training workshops and serves on committees as needed.
• Plans and promotes career and employment-related programs and events, such as career planning presentations, work experience programs, job fairs, and career workshops.
• Establishes and enforces administration policies and rules governing student behavior.
• Reviews transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements and writes letters of recommendation.
• Provides students with information on topics, such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs.
• Contributes to a team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in Counseling or related field preferred. At least five years of experience in related field. Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

ORGANIZATIONAL/INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

A high level of organizational and interpersonal skill is required. Attention to detail and working well with others is also required. Must have the ability to manage and to present oneself professionally.

LANGUAGE/COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ability to communicate effectively with subordinates. Ability to effectively communicate with Principal as well as staff, students, and parents. Confidentiality is essential.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts such as adding, dividing, and multiplying.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, talk, feel, sit, grasp, hear and perform repetitive motions of the hands/wrists; required to see up close and from far away. Also may be required to lift up to 30 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed mostly in an office setting. Employee may be required to work more than 40 hours including occasional evenings and weekends, and do extensive computer work.