Mercer County Schools JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: School Counselor (K-12) Reports to: Principal

Job Class Code: 1050                                      

185 base plus 15 Extended Days=200 total contract days

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

 

BASIC FUNCTION:  A school counselor is a certified mental health professional supporting all K-12 students in their social/emotional, academic, and career development.  Through a Comprehensive School Counseling Program, counselors provide data-informed, universal, and targeted learning experiences to develop the whole child in a diverse society.  They ensure College and Career Readiness at every level. They cultivate social, emotional, and behavioral health education. They collaborate with other school counselors, administrators, and parents for accountability. They participate in networks of school counselors locally and nationally and work with school administrators to find the best course of action for every student.


REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum by assuming the lead role of the SEL MTSS system in their building.  

Ensure that the SEL screener is given 3 times a year.  

Ensure that data collected from the SEL screener and other types of data (ex:  Infinite Campus, Teachers, Parents, At-Risk Assessments, etc.) are used to assess students’ needs, situations, and support networks and then used to develop and implement an appropriate school-wide Tier 1 SEL program. 

Lead/Facilitate Student Needs (SEL RTI) meeting.  

Complete At-Risk Assessments. 

Maintaining all SEL MTSS records.

Lead the Trauma-Informed/Student Problem Solving (SPS) team to address emergency student needs    

Provide direct Tier 2 and Tier 3 services that promote academic and social success. 

Assess, implement and maintain a refined menu of interventions that represents the best SEL resources we have available.

Keep a list of individuals trained to implement certain interventions or that act as the lead for interventions.

Conduct yearly needs assessments of all aspects of the MTSS SEL program including professional development needs, intervention considerations, and additional resources, and work with school leadership to ensure that needs are met. 

Serve on the monthly PBIS team.

Share responsibilities of Special Education ARC chairperson and coordinate 504 meetings.



Ensure that the school has psychologically safe buildings and classrooms by fostering inviting, positive, healthy school climates: 

Collaborate with school leaders to ensure that the school implements trauma-informed practices and meets the needs of students. 

Develops procedures for the orientation of new families and students and families and those transitioning back to our schools. 

Assist with threat assessments and the implementation of Safety Plans 

Lead crisis response and maintain up-to-date recovery plans that meet the social/emotional needs of the children and staff. 

Facilitates student and family referrals to community resources such as behavioral health, child welfare, and career development.

Consults with staff, families, and community partners (when appropriate) about the needs and concerns of children. 

Foster positive communication between families, students, and community agencies; make home visits and telephone calls, send correspondence, social media.


Career Development: 

Collaborate with school leaders and staff to develop and maintain an accurate student information system (including but not limited to the school’s master schedule, individual student schedules, grades, enrollment, and transcripts).

Provide opportunities for students to explore their interests and set goals for academic and career success. 

Maintain an up-to-date understanding of current graduation requirements and student academic opportunities (ex: KEES, dual credit, AP), and scholarship/career opportunities.

Maintain up-to-date school course offerings document (middle and high school).

Maintain an up-to-date counseling website.

Maintain accurate documents.

Maintaining confidentiality. 

Demonstrate punctuality and regular attendance.

Adhere to the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky Certified Personnel. 

Perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent or designee. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Three (3) years experience working with children in a school setting. 

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Kentucky Certification for Guidance Counselor in Elementary School Master’s Degree and Rank II

IMPORTANT NOTES

 

Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content and qualifications for this position. An individual’s ability to meet the qualifications and capabilities described in this document is not a guarantee of employment or promotion. Mercer County School District reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice. This employer does not knowingly discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin.