School Counselor

School Counselor

In our District, we put students first. Our vision: all Camden students will attend a high-quality school where they are valued, challenged, and prepared for college and careers that positively impact their community and the world. High-quality schools have a great teacher in every classroom and are housed in safe, clean buildings equipped to meet the needs of 21st-century learners, with the support of an efficient and effective Central Office. All this is possible only with the right team members in place, working together with partners and the community to provide all students the academic, social, and emotional support needed to succeed in school and beyond. Read more here.

School Counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes. They lead, advocate, and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students by connecting their school counseling program to the school’s academic mission and school improvement plan. They uphold the ethical and professional standards of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the New Jersey School Counselor Association to promote the development of the school counseling program based on the following areas of the ASCA National Model: ASCA National Model: foundation, delivery, management, and accountability.

Requirements:

• Hold a New Jersey School Counselor Standard Certificate (2702).
• Hold a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Uphold ASCA and NJSCA ethical and professional standards.
• Required criminal history background check, physical, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

Major roles and responsibilities include:

Counseling Program Planning, Implementation, & Evaluation

1. Develop guidance activities including articulation and development of curriculum to provide a holistic program that is both relevant and meaningful.
2. Work cooperatively and collectively with teachers to ensure that high-quality programs, practices, and services are coordinated in the schools and are administered uniformly and equitably.
3. Provide for the individual differences of the students by planning and developing appropriate activities so that students can progress at a rate commensurate with their particular abilities.
4. Collect and analyze data regarding the achievement of students and other pertinent information affecting the design and implementation of services and programs.
5. Participate in the evaluation of student achievement through ongoing dialogue with all personnel involved in the educational progress of the student.

Counseling Program Delivery

1. Conduct orientation programs for all new students, which provide for discussion of the handbook, discipline, eligibility, and attendance policies; building tour; and follow-up.
2. Assist students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the use of teacher input, interpretation of individual standardized test scores, and other pertinent information. Utilize the evaluation to work with students to develop educational and career goals.
3. Provide short-term individual counseling sessions for students dealing with personal challenges that affect school performance, and attendance.
4. Conduct small and large group counseling sessions to build student skills in the areas of personal growth, educational and career planning, character education, and social-emotional learning.
5. Assist students in understanding themselves and their potential through individual counseling, interpretation of assessment results, and review of the individual records.
6. Engage students in a college and career awareness program by maintaining a current resource library, frequent publication of pertinent information, and personal awareness of resources.
7. Assist students and parents of students with academic difficulties by setting up conferences, recommending tutors, or individual help from teachers.
8. Assist in student program and course selection through parent orientation sessions.
9. Be responsive to students in their developmental process by being available, willing, and understanding when dealing with their challenges, where feasible.

Leadership and Advocacy

1. Serve on the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) Team and/or NJ Tier System of Support (NJTSS)
2. Act as a referral agent to the Child Study Team by initiating referrals to the district team or providing a resource list for outside agencies if requested.
3. Serve as the School Anti-Bullying Specialist (ABS).
4. Contribute to the planning and development of the discipline area and total curriculum by working cooperatively with the departmental team, supervisor, and principal.
5. Participate in student retention and promotion based upon district policies through a review of courses, graduation requirements, credits, and the submission of necessary information when requested with recommendations.
6. Participate in the administration of individual and group testing programs as directed by the Director of Scheduling Counseling & Support, Principal, or designee.

Professionalism and Growth

1. Maintain accurate and confidential files per Federal and State guidelines. Review files periodically to ensure accuracy.
2. Maintain an ongoing and up-to-date awareness of recent trends in education and innovative methods of proven merit that may be incorporated into the guidance program.
3. Maintain a professional attitude in all professional relationships concerning school affairs, school regulations, school administration, as well as students and parents of the school community.
4. Further the cause of good human relations and human understanding by responding positively to the district programs aimed at improving these areas.
5. Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with staff members.
6. Serve as a role model for students, dressing professionally, demonstrating the importance and relevance of learning, and accepting responsibility, and pride in the education profession.
7. Effective communication is essential in any professional setting, particularly in education where interactions with students, parents, and colleagues play a crucial role in fostering a positive learning environment.
8. Complete in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by law and regulation or requested by the Director of Scheduling Counseling & Support, Principal, or designee. Answer correspondence promptly.
9. Attend required staff meetings, and PLCs, and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees.
10. Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences.
11. Perform any duties that are assigned by the Director of Scheduling Counseling & Support, Principal, or designee

Core Values

We are seeking individuals who will exemplify the district's core values:

• Respect and Humility: We serve our community by recognizing the strengths, experiences, and perspectives of others. We humbly recognize our limitations and incorporate lessons we gain from our reflective practice.
• Evidence-based: We use evidence to inform decisions and to ensure that we are accountable to our students and families.
• Communication & Collaboration: We communicate openly and work collaboratively, recognizing that getting to the best possible decisions requires input from others. Honest communications build trust and establish a community that assumes the best intentions.
• Solutions-oriented: Concerning the complexity of this work and the history that precedes us, we focus on persistence, resourcefulness, and inclusiveness to drive toward solutions.
• Exhibit a personality that demonstrates enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, and administration.
• Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.

Additional Information

• Reports To: Director of Scheduling Counseling & Support, Principal or designee
• Evaluated By: Director of Scheduling Counseling & Support, Principal or designee
• Salary Range: Teacher's Salary Guide
• Employment Period: Ten-month, tenure track position
• Union Affiliation: Camden Education Associate (CEA)