High School Counselor - Full Time

Effective SY 2021-2022

Job Focus:  Grades 9-12 

Qualifications:  Montana Certification - 31A CO1 School Counselor

REPORTS TO:    School Principal

Application Process:

An application is considered complete when all of the items listed below are received on or before the closing date.  Only complete applications are eligible for screening.  You will have an opportunity to upload all required documents during the application process.

1.  A letter of application.

2.  Professional resume which includes academic preparation, experience and other specifically related qualifications.

3.  Copies of transcripts for all college or university credits completed to date. (An official transcript will be required if you are successful in securing the position, including those credits you would like to have considered for salary placement.)

4.  Four signed letters of recommendation (within the past three years), or college placement file if available, current, and complete.  To upload letters properly, all letters  need to be in one document.  Uploading one letter at a time will replace the previous document.

5.  Written Statement - In your own handwriting, please indicate specific reason(s) for wanting this position in Columbia Falls, and the attributes you believe especially qualify you and/or which mark your professional development for this position.

6.  Copy of your current Montana teaching certificate/license, or evidence of ability to secure Montana teaching certification/licensure.  For questions regarding the certification process, please contact the licensure department at the Montana Office of Public Instruction at (406)444-3150.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts counseling of student groups and individual students regarding educational and career plans.
• Provides counseling and guidance to students and parents in the use of test results for education/career planning.
• Counsels individual students who are having problems in school.
• Educates students and parents regarding the necessary course work required for graduation and assists those students who are showing signs of having educational difficulties.
• Reviews and evaluates academic progress of students and makes recommendations for modifications as appropriate.
• Consults with the teaching staff to facilitate counseling activities into the regular educational program.
• Consults with teachers, other educational staff, and parents regarding the developmental needs of students.
• Complies with Board policies, rules, regulations and directives.
• Provides orientation to new students regarding the District’s educational opportunities and/or career paths.
• Discusses alternatives with students and advises in the selection of what seems to be the most desirable course of action.
• Serves as a reference source for current information on colleges, technical education, apprenticeships, armed services, and other educational programs and career opportunities.

Only minimum duties are listed.  Other functions may be required as given or assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be appropriately licensed and endorsed in accordance with state statutes and Board of Public Education rules.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability of effectively present information and respond to questions from students, parents, staff, and the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the community.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of employment and student matters.
• Ability to effectively manage time and responsibilities.

EQUIPMENT USED:

A variety of electronic and technology devices, as well as basic office equipment, copiers, calculators, personal computers, telephone/voicemail, fax.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside, but some duties will be performed outside.  The employee must be able to meet deadlines with severe time constraints.  The employee frequently will work irregular or extended hours while performing the duties of this job.  The employee is directly responsible for safety and well-being of students.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk and stand; twist at the neck and waist; kneel.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee is required to be able to hear conversations in quiet environments.  May be required to life or move up to 20 pounds.

MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work.  The employee frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another).  Guidance and reinforcement are infrequently available.  The employee frequently works within time constraints and maintains attentiveness intensity.  The employee frequently involved in social interactions which require oral and written communications.

The physical demands, work-environment characteristics, and mental/motor demands described within this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.