School Counselor 

2022-23 School Year

 

Summary:

The School Counselor is responsible for creating a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program that encompasses both the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindsets and Behaviors and the Virginia Department of Education School Counseling standards.  School counselors are expected to conduct individual and group counseling sessions and design core curriculum lessons based on assessed needs.  

 

Essential Functions:

• Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program in collaboration with other counselors and school staff.
• Assist all students apply academic achievement strategies; manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills; and begin to explore secondary options such as higher education, military, workforce.
• Provide culturally responsive counseling services to individual students and groups.
• Advocate for students at individual education planning meetings and other student-focused meetings.
• Collaborate with teachers, staff, and families regarding student success and student mental health needs.
• Refer students to appropriate community-based resources in consultation with their parents/guardians.
• Analyze date to identify areas of need and potential equity concerns.
• Support Charlottesville City Schools educational program through general consultation activities and committee work.
• Attend all meetings and training sessions as directed.
• Assist administrators with the interpretation of standardized test scores for students and families.
• Facilitate informational sessions for families and students regarding transition activities between different schools; and appropriate socio-emotional learning needs. 
• Coordinate with counselors to plan visits for students in the spring prior to transfer (K-4 counselors with work with upper elementary counselors and upper elementary counselors will work with middle school counselors)
• Participate as a team member for school-based Virginia Tiered Systems of Support (VTSS) teams
• Attend IEP and Section 504 meetings, when appropriate.
• Serve on PBIS committee
• Participate with school leadership and specials team meetings 

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

Knowledge of and ability to implement the comprehensive school counseling program recommended by ASCA and in adherence with the Virginia Counseling SOL; ability to analyze and explain assessment data; understand and implement culturally responsive services; facilitation skills for individual and/or small group counseling; strong written and oral communication skills for various internal and external groups; flexibility to adapt to constant changes and frequent interruptions; knowledge of and relationships with community agencies to assist students and families; ability to use standard office equipment and educational/career software to assist students with career planning.  Bilingual in English and another World Language (French, Arabic, Farsi, Spanish) preferred.

 

Education and/or Experience:

Master’s Degree in School Counseling or a similar degree with eligibility for a Virginia license in school counseling is required.  A school counselor must also uphold the ASCA ethical and professional standards, have knowledge of Trauma Based/Information School practices and be able to design and use culturally responsive counseling techniques, core curriculum lessons.  Prior teaching and/or school counseling or mental health counseling experience and bilingual in English and another World Language are preferred.

 

Physical Conditions and Nature of Work:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:  some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking and 10% standing.  The job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

 

Evaluation:

The Professional School Counselor is evaluated by the Principal of the assigned school

 

Contract Length:  

10 months/225 days.  This may be extended and discussed in the interview.

 

Date Revised:

May 1, 2020

 

Updated 2/10/2023