MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in school guidance and counseling. Licensed School Counselor preferred.
Experience: Demonstrated ability to serve well as Thomas MacLaren School Counselor.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Familiarity with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, ASCA National Standards, ASCA School Counselor Competencies and ASCA School Counselor Performance Standards
• Love of working with children
• Love of learning
• Ability to analyze data to inform work and decision making, analyze and evaluate available data, assess student needs and develop and implement procedures and policies to support student achievement
• Exhibits patience and kindness towards students
• Ability to learn Thomas MacLaren School’s student information system (PowerSchool)
• Knowledge of and interest in a wide variety of writings and thought beyond one’s own area of expertise
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with both young people and adults
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Willingness to take direction from Executive Director
• Commitment to a diverse population of students and to closing the achievement gap

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Guides, coordinates, and supports other school staff in implementing comprehensive school-wide counseling program
• Uses counseling strategies to establish relationships and collaborate with educators, students, families, and community partners which reflect recognition of and respect for each individual
• Utilizes responsive counseling, initiating individual and group sessions for students’ academic, social and personal concerns
• Consults with families and staff to appraise student needs and interests and to discuss appropriate recommendations for educational options
• Plans, coordinates and provides the classroom guidance sessions to meet the identified guidance and counseling competencies in the areas of academic achievement, career and educational development, and personal and social development to assist students in developing decision-making skills and identifying life goals
• Assesses student needs and makes referrals to appropriate school resource personnel, social agencies, community agencies and alternative programs
• Intervenes during crisis situations and participates on school crisis team
• Collaborates on the development and management of the comprehensive school counseling program with the Heads of Lower and Upper School and SPED Coordinator
• Communicates and shares the goals of the comprehensive school counseling program to stakeholders including students, families, and community partners
• Assists teachers in understanding their students, including providing and interpreting student data
• Promotes an understanding and appreciation of diverse population and cultures
• Assists families in obtaining services for their children through an appropriate referral and follow-up process
• Serves as liaison between social services agencies and school personnel as needed
• Provides in-service training on topics related to the school counseling program and supporting student achievement
• Strives for continued improvement and professional growth, in the context of the community of learners
• Communicates clearly, collegially, and regularly with co-workers
• Confers with parents, teachers, the Heads of School and colleagues as necessary regarding student progress
• Uses oral and written English skillfully and correctly
• Maintains accurate records
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director