ANDALUSIA CITY SCHOOLS
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
JOB DESCRIPTION
QUALIFICATIONS:
(1) Master's degree from an accredited educational institution.
(2) Certification in Guidance and Counseling by the State of Alabama.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to read, interpret and follow State Board rules, School Board policies and the appropriate
state and federal statutes. Knowledge and understanding of child development and the unique
needs and characteristics of students served. Knowledge and understanding of guidance and
counseling principles, programs and services. Knowledge of tests and measurement theory and
of community resources and services available for student assistance. Ability to counsel and
assist students, parents and school personnel in the resolution of problems in student learning
behavior and mental health. Ability to administer and interpret student assessment and
evaluation instruments. Ability to analyze and use data. Ability to consult with parents, school
personnel and the public. Ability to maintain sensitivity to multicultural issues. Ability to
maintain confidentiality. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing using correct
grammar, spelling and business English. Ability to audit forms and reports for accuracy and
completeness. Ability to design and deliver classroom guidance. Skill in conducting individual,
small group and large group counseling.
REPORTS TO:
Principal or designee
JOB GOAL:
To provide students with educational, personal and career technical counseling
and to identify and coordinate all available resources to empower students to reach full
potential.
SUPERVISES:
N/A
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- (1) Develop guidance programs based on developmental needs of students, needs
assessments, and school and system priorities.
- (2) Establish short and long-range plans based on student needs as well as school, system
and state priorities.
- (3) Communicate goals and services of the counseling programs to school administration,
staff, students and parents.
- (4) Establish priorities and an implementation schedule for counseling and student service
programs.
- (5) Review, evaluate and select a variety of materials to support a well-balanced counseling
program.
- (6) Implement, coordinate and monitor school-wide counseling services and activities.
- (7) Establish an environment for an effective counseling program.
- (8) Establish and follow procedures for appropriate intervention in accordance with school,
system, and state laws, rules and policies.
- (9) Maintain student records according to established guidelines.
- (10) Participate in school-wide events, committees and supervisory responsibilities to assure
student safety.
- (11) Use technology resources effectively.
- (12) Demonstrate knowledge of theories, techniques and instruments used for assessments.
- (13) Administer tests, interpret scores, and communicate results.
- (14) Explain nature and purpose of assessment in an understandable manner, including its
uses and limitations and provide feedback to appropriate individuals.
- (15) Exercise confidentiality in the sharing of test results.
- (16) Use relevant assessment data to make recommendations to students, parents, teachers
and other professionals.
- (17) Evaluate counseling program objectives including using feedback from students, parents
and staff.
- (18) Provide personal/social growth counseling (individual and group) concerning academic
success, understanding of self and others, communication skills, decision-making,
relationship skills, conflict resolution, goal setting, and effective coping skills necessary
to refuse participation in substance abuse and physical violence.
- (19) Recognize, appreciate and serve the cultural differences and special needs of individuals
and families.
- (20) Recognize overt indicators of student distress or abuse and take appropriate intervention,
referral or reporting action.
- (21) Provide crisis intervention services including follow-up services as appropriate.
- (22) Orient new students and their parents and assist students moving from grade to grade or
school to school.
- (23) Provide intervention for at-risk students and those with special learning and behavioral
needs.
- (24) Implement programs for career awareness and (at secondary level) comprehensive
educational/career plans which target high school completion, post-secondary
opportunities, scholarships and financial aid information.
- (25) Consult with students, parents, teachers and other school staff to assist in meeting needs
of students.
- (26) Work effectively with parents.
- (27) Serve as advocate for students.
- (28) Establish an effective working relationship with outside services and make appropriate
referrals for psychological, social work, health, and community services.
- (29) Participate in multidisciplinary conferences concerning individual cases of special need,
including academic, social, cultural, emotional, and economic.
- (30) Provide information to and/or in-service for teachers, administrators and other school
staff.
- (31) Keep abreast of current trends in counseling and guidance.
- (32) Participate in meetings, training sessions and other activities for improvement of
professional knowledge and skills.
- (33) Model and maintain high professional and ethical standards.
- (34) Prepare all required reports and maintain all appropriate records.
- (35) Identify student/school issues and facilitate and follow established procedures.
- (36) Use positive interpersonal skills to encourage cooperative efforts between staff, students,
families and the community.
- (37) Review student records and indicators: portfolio assessment, professional team
interaction and analysis reports, documented parent interaction, student discipline
records and others as deemed appropriate by the system guidelines to evaluate student
needs and plan program.
- (38) Monitor to ensure that student growth/achievement is continuous and appropriate for
age group and subject program classification.
(39) Perform other incidental tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force as
frequently as needed to move objects.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the System's approved compensation plan.
Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the System.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on
evaluation of personnel.
Job Description Supplement No. 11
- Essential Performance Responsibilities
