Secondary School Counselor

Overview

Job Title: Secondary Counselor
Job Title Code: 845
Salary Grade: T01 – T06
Department: Division of Student Services and Support
Reports To: Building Principal & Director of Counseling
FLSA Status: Exempt

PURPOSE OF JOB: The secondary counselor is a member of the Kansas City Public Schools guidance function, charged with providing a comprehensive guidance program for students in grades 7-12. The counselor develops program activities to meet the needs of students; consults with teachers, staff and parents to enhance program effectiveness and provides support to other secondary educational programs.

• Implements the KCPS Secondary Guidance Curriculum by conducting guidance learning activities in the classroom as planned in conjunction with school administrators and teachers; consults with and serves as a resource to teachers to facilitate the infusion of guidance learning activities.
• Develops educational and career plans for groups and individual students:
  • Provides orientation activities for new students; participates in orientation programs for parents and students.
  • Assists students in completing and updating of the “Personal Plan of Study” (4 Year Plan) in the current Student Information System (i.e. Tyler SIS K-12)
  • Guides 9th-12th graders in evaluating their current status and requirements for high school graduation
  • Maintains accurate records (graduation requirement worksheet and transcripts) on each student in the current Student Information System (i.e. Tyler SIS K-12, ensures that all students graduating from KCPS have met all the requirements for graduation
  • Assists 12th graders in developing and implementing their post-high school educational and career plans
  • Coordinates with teachers and administrators on the enrollment process
  • Ensures student schedules are completed and distributed to students prior to school beginning; keeps student records current and readily available (monitors the academic and personal records of each student).
• Informs students and their parents of test results (including but not limited to the EXPLORE, PLAN, MAP, EOCs, ASVAB, SAT, PSAT, and COMPASS) and their implications for educational planning; provides resources and information to assist in career awareness and career exploration activities; guides all students to develop career/vocational plans through teaching and supervision of career education activities; guides students through the current career information system used by the district (i.e. Missouri Connections).
• Coordinates and distributes information related to the college application process, scholarships, opportunities, and summer program options.
• Conducts structured, goal oriented counseling sessions to meet the emotional, physical and psychological health needs of individuals or a group of students covering topics including self-awareness, self-identity, academic problems, peer problems, family issues, suicide, sexuality issues, child abuse and substance abuse.
• Attends and participates in all of the district Counselor professional development activities. Participates in staff meetings and conducts in-service programs for faculty; conducts and facilitates conferences with teachers, students, and parents; conducts or provides opportunities for parent education programs and assists students and parents in dealing with school related problems; advises administrators and faculty on student disciplinary matters.
• Consults and coordinates with in-district and community agencies, school psychologists, nurses, administrators, community-based psychologists, service agencies and physicians in meeting the special needs of students with severe problems.
• Interprets group test results to faculty and staff; establishes effective liaisons with all grade levels; acts as an advocate for students as appropriate in conjunction with other staff; assists school staff in placement of special needs students in gifted education and special education programs; participates with administrators and faculty as a team member in the implementation of the district testing program.
• Participates in and facilitates the intervention team process (SST): assumes an active role in…