Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, is accepting applications for an Academic School Counselor (9-12th grade).
Position Title: Academic School Counselor (9-12th grade)
Job Classification: Exempt
Department: Counseling
Reports To: Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction
Pay Range: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 annually (Based on experience, education, and qualifications)
Job Summary: Leadership, advocacy and collaboration are the skills school counselors will draw on to implement a preventative, proactive school counseling program using the current American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs for the purpose of serving as a student advocate and systems change agent. Counselors will promote student success through the implementation of this comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the academic needs of students in a manner consistent with the current school’s plan.
Essential Functions:
- Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate an ASCA National Model aligned school counseling program with an emphasis on academic development, while supporting career and social/emotional growth as it relates to academic success.
- Abide by the ASCA Ethical Standards for Professional School Counseling.
- Pursue professional growth and participate in local, state and national school counseling related conferences and workshops, with attention to academic counseling practices.
- Utilize technology and data-based systems to make decisions regarding the school counseling program. Use data to develop strategies for closing the achievement gap and implement intentional school counseling activities
- Consult and collaborate with school personnel on Comprehensive Student Support Teams such as ASP, SST, Wellness, Campus Ministry, etc.
- Collaborate with school personnel to facilitate smooth transitions from middle school to high school and high school to the world of college and career, with attention to academic readiness.
- Establish a planning calendar for school counseling program activities. Use the majority of time providing direct services through the school counseling curriculum, individual academic planning, and preventive and responsive services with remaining time in program management, system support and accountability.
- Implement developmentally appropriate, prevention-oriented classroom lessons and group activities including study skills, time management, academic success strategies, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, school connectedness and resiliency skills for all students.
- Implement developmentally appropriate, intervention-oriented individual and small group activities for students who are most in need as indicated by risk factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: poor attendance, social/emotional issues, stress/ anxiety, home issues, substance abuse, anger/self-control issues, bullying, and school safety.
- Conduct a mid-year and annual program assessment to measure the effectiveness of the school counseling program, including academic outcomes, sharing results with stakeholders.
- Communicate, establish and maintain effective relationships with administrators, teachers, school staff, students and parents through activities such as parent/ teacher/student conferences, serving on committees and observing students in the classroom.
- Collaborate with staff to support students in creating and updating their 4 Year Plan.
- Monitor student progress utilizing data, making a direct distinct connection to the academic success of all students.
- Conduct a cumulative records review for all new, transitioning or at-risk students to determine appropriate academic course selection and program services.
- Guide students in the development of their post-secondary educational and/or career goals through the teaching and/or supervision of career development activities, with emphasis on academic preparation.
- Inform students and parents regarding practice ACT/SAT testing and financial aid, as it relates to academic and college readiness.
- Discuss test results with students and parents and their implications for academic planning and educational goals.
- Inform students and their parents of appropriate school and community resources that support academic achievement.
- Counselors will meet monthly by grade span levels, to continue collaborative work of the ASCA model school counseling program and share progress on implementation
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal and Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction.
Minimum Qualifications:
Credentials and Experience:
- Must possess a valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential authorizing School Counseling, or equivalent
- Master's degree
Knowledge of:
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs
- Effective research-based counseling techniques for individuals and small groups and interventions for at-risk students
- Student achievement data analysis and reporting
- Existing materials, resources and curriculum related to school counseling
- Local agencies, community and school programs, and resources that are available to students and their families
Ability to:
- Interpret school, district and post-secondary policies
- Serve as a social justice advocate charged with closing the access, opportunity and attainment gaps
- Successfully work with all students taking into consideration culture, ethnic and economic barriers to future success
- Organize and communicate effectively with all stakeholders
- Support and uphold the mission and Catholic identity of the school
Work Schedule: Full-time, 190-day position, with benefits as outlined in the Employee Handbook. Scheduled days follow the academic school year calendar, with optional opportunities for summer work.
Physical Requirements: Works extensively in an office environment requiring repetitive computer and telephone use, with the ability to sit or stand for extended periods. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, reach with hands and arms, handle or feel objects, and communicate effectively through talking and hearing. The employee is occasionally required to bend, stoop, or kneel. The position requires the regular lifting and moving of light office materials or student files up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus for computer-based tasks.
Candidates must apply through EdJoin.org.
Supporting documents may be uploaded, including a cover letter, resume, documentation of education (master's degree/transcripts), a valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential authorizing School Counseling (or equivalent), and reference letters.
This position is open until filled.
