Guidance Counselor

Job Title: Guidance Counselor

Department:Student Services

Reports To: Vice Principal for Student Services and Student Learning

Classification:Exempt

Hours: Full-time

Benefits: Applicable per designated classification

Approved by: S. Bult Prepared Date: Spring 2018

Job Summary: The Student Services Counselormust be a spiritually sensitive individual who understands the mission of Wheaton Academy and is committed to help see it become a reality in the lives of our students by manifesting, by precept and example, the highest Christian virtue and personal decorum, serving as a Christian role model (I Timothy 4:12) both in and out of school (Luke 6:40), and as an example to parents and fellow employees in judgment, dignity, respect, and Christian living according to Conditions of Employment outlined in the WA Staff Contract.The ability to work independently and handle confidential information appropriately is pre-requisites. The individual should possess a strong work ethic and enjoy a challenge. The School Guidance Counselor provides counseling related to college and career guidance services, academic placement and intervention, and social/ emotional counseling to Wheaton Academy students in concert with the mission and goals of Wheaton Academy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

  1. Serve on the academic intervention team and provide general counseling related to academic placement and intervention needs.
  2. Provide general counseling regarding social/ emotional concerns and provide referrals for long term counseling as needed.
  3. Provide transition and counseling support for students with medical needs and students in after school and full day hospital programs.
  4. Assist with creating ISPs and meeting with ISP families
  5. Assist with college counseling
  6. Coordinate ACT/ College Board testing
  7. Assist with all school SAT/ PSAT testing
  8. Assist with freshmen and transfer student meetings
  9. Assist with registration, schedule changes, collection of school forms
  10. Lead a therapeutic group with another student services team member
  11. Development of curriculum and support structures (groups etc.) for student emotional health issues (like eating disorders, loss of a parent etc.)
  12. Develop and deliver 1-2 parent seminars per year
  13. Assist with other department duties as assigned

Credentials/Experience

  • Master’s Degree preferred. Bachelor’s Degree is required. Minimum of five years’ experience in high school or college counseling.
  • Experience in private school student services/guidance/registration a plus.

Computer

  • Demonstrates high proficiency in the computer programs used in his/her department. These includeNaviance, Microsoft Office, Academy Central and Blackbaud.

Administrative

  • Anticipates and proactively completes departmental tasks.
  • Coordinates college and career guidance schedules with Student Services and Educational Offices.
  • Translates objectives and goals into a workable plan, delegating appropriately while retaining control.
  • Demonstrates excellence in editing and positive tone in e-mails and written communication.

Student Counseling

  • Understands sensitivities in working with school families and students in need.
  • Understands and implements school philosophies in the partnership between home and school.
  • Provides screening to students to determine personal safety and possible need for long term referrals.
  • Counsels and provides intervention ideas for students, teachers and families to ensure all students learn.

College and Career Guidance

  • Develops and documents procedures to ensure repeatable systems.
  • Communicates with parents as needed and is available to respond to parent concerns.

Scheduling

  • Uses assessment results and academic grades to advise students on class placement.
  • Foresees possible calendar conflicts and takes initiative to adjust events/appointments/meetings as necessary.

Organization

  • Demonstrates organized, concise thinking and communication.
  • Maintains a logical organizational system in order to maintain departmental efficiencies.

Timeliness

  • Handles a myriad of regular administrative details and additional responsibilities when asked.
  • Meets deadlines for parent and student communications and mailings.

Decision Making

  • Maintains an open mind and participates in team or department decision making and encourages others.
  • Builds consensus in making decisions, with limited resources when necessary.
  • Exemplifies a manager type who is analytical, innovative, decisive and tough-minded.

Multi-Tasking/ Independence

  • Works efficiently; is known as a self-starter, sees what needs to be done and takes the initiative to do it.
  • Creates momentum, causing things to happen; is proactive rather than reactive.

Communication

  • Regularly updates Administration on how things are going – positive and negative.
  • Comes to Principal as a problem solver when problems are observed.
  • Keeps confidences when asked about confidential issues and directs the question to the Principal.

Community Influence

  • Is a regular attendee at co-curricular activities.
  • Is known in the WA constituency as a positive model of professionalism and integrity.

Office Climate

  • Exhibits supportive, positive and reciprocal respect to staff and faculty.
  • Is committed to and models a supportive, positive and caring community where all students are valued regardless of development or cultural norms.

Versatility

  • Adapts his/her role for the benefit of the WA community.

Attitude towards School

  • Exudes a positive attitude and love for WA wherever he/she goes.

Collaboration with Colleagues

  • Establishes relationships that allow employee to help colleagues develop to their full potential.
  • Maintains a sensitivity to others’ workload and is willing to step in to assist or refrain from further unnecessary delegation of duties.
  • Frequently attends conferences and shares what they learn with colleagues.

Spiritual Formation

  • Has a growing and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Demonstrates biblical maturity and serves as a Christian role model.
  • Maintains an active participation in a protestant evangelical church.

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