Philosophy: To provide a comprehensive guidance and counseling program designed to address the social, emotional, educational, and occupational needs of all students.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

To implement the 6-12 curriculum of Norwood Public Schools. 

To guide and counsel individuals and groups of students through the development of educational and career plans, which may include:

• Develops, implements, teaches, and revises curriculum related to the competencies of the guidance program.
• Conducts research in pertinent areas to update and add to the curriculum.
• Plans and participates in parent seminars related to group guidance curriculum.
• Assists in the coordination of specific educational options for students.
• Meets with students whose names appear on the “low grade” list for each quarter and, if appropriate, formulate a plan of action for success involving the student and parent.
• Meets with seniors throughout once each semester and mail updates on their status to their parents.
• Assists in the development and monitoring of student success plans in grades 6-12
• Working with students who have discipline, attendance, and academic problems and are referred by teachers, parents, or administrators.
• Assists in the coordination, planning, and/or promotion of programs that enhance the academic, social, or emotional growth of students, e.g., Curriculum Fair, Career Fair, Shadowing Experiences, and Mentorships, Assemblies, Graduation, opportunities for student enrichment and/or intervention, scholarship opportunities, and parent informational programs.
• Assists teachers in the implementation of special service programs and the mainstreaming of special service students.
• Assists foreign exchange students attending Norwood Middle and High School.
• Assists in scholarship and financial aid by helping to compute qualifying scores. As well as assisting students in the application process for scholarships and financial aid.
• Ensuring that students and parents are aware of state and district requirements for graduation and college admission, as well as any NCAA requirements that may be necessary for athletic participation.
• Participates in all facets of college application/scholarship/financial aid programs.
• Master the computer technology needed to perform daily guidance tasks.
• Assists in the group registration and the scheduling of “new” students.
• Assists in the scheduling and registration of all students for the following school year.
• Assists in the registration of students for summer school.
• Guiding each student to choose courses consistent with his/her interests, abilities, and career plans
• Helps coordinate and carry out schedule changes for individual students that are both appropriate for their abilities and aligned with their educational and career plans.
• Keeps accurate records in all facets of the guidance program.
• Manage and oversee all testing programs that meet the annual district, state testing requirements and state graduation requirements (NWEA, CMAS, PSAT, SAT, ACT, ASVAB and WIDA) assigned to the guidance department and interprets those test results to students and/or parents upon request.
• Ensure appropriate, accurate information is maintained in each student’s permanent, cumulative folder.
• Manage and oversee all 504 Plans for the school district.
• Manage and oversee all homeless student programs for the school district under the McKenney-Vento Act.
• Manage and oversee all online educational opportunities to include dual credit, credit recovery and any additional online educational programs as needed.
• Manage and oversee the state graduation requirements for all high school students and serve as the coordinator for the District Capstone program for students that require this option to graduate.
• Attends all building and district staff meetings.
• Attends professional conferences, seminars, and earns additional credit to stay current with contemporary issues in the area of guidance.
• Assists in preparing the annual budget for the guidance department.
• Assists in the development of annual and long-term guidance goals.
• Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Principal or their
  • To facilitate small groups for individual students with identified, common needs.
  • To consult with and serve as a resource for students, staff, and parents regarding developmental needs of students which may include:
    • Identification and referral of students for a success plan.
    • Creation and oversight of 504 plans.
    • Active participation in IEP meetings.
    • Work with teachers to better help them understand students with physical or emotional challenges.
  • To refer students and parents/guardians to appropriate school and community resources.
  • To participate in, coordinate, conduct activities which contribute to the effective implementation of the 6-12 component of the K-12 guidance curriculum.
  • To evaluate and revise the District guidance and counseling program.
  • To assist in the development of a District Assessment Program as the District Assessment Coordinator and facilitate the interpretation of testing results related to career guidance.
  • To continue personal professional growth and development.

Other Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Attend educational field trips
• Serve as a role model for students
• Respond to routine questions and concerns in a professional and appropriate manner

 

Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling with School Counseling Certification/Licensure is preferred.
• At least three years of teaching experience is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license. Must pass a general background check

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Work effectively with others.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Effective listening skills.
• Ability to organize.
• Creative problem solving.
• Computer skills: Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation Software
• Knowledge of testing requirements and processes.
• Understand school curriculum.
• Knowledge of FAFSA and financial aid.
• Knowledge of, and application of, scheduling at the high school level.
• Knowledge of community agencies and services.
• Knowledge of alternative educational options for students.
• Knowledge of Guidance Counselor standards and evaluation system.
• Good health, high moral character, and good attendance record
• Professional tact, diplomacy, and presentation with administrators, staff, teachers, students, parents, and the community

 

 

The job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the incumbent’s supervisor, appointing authority.