Reports to:  Student Services Director

Employment Status: As assigned on board-approved contract

FLSA Status:  Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Valid Ohio Department of Education licensure/credentials
2. Knowledge of mental health diagnostic criteria and appropriate interventions
3. Knowledge of group/individual counseling theories and appropriate use of such with children and families
4. One to two years related experience preferred
5. Successful completion of BCI/FBI background checks

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Provide guidance and counsel to students which will promote their welfare, safety, and proper educational development; respect confidentiality; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with parents/staff/students; ensure safety by reporting pertinent information to appropriate agencies as necessary

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  (The below list is not ranked in order of importance.)

1. Ensure safety of students, taking all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
2. Maintain accurate, complete and correct records as required
3. Provide guidance and counsel to the students which will promote their welfare and their proper educational development
4. Attend parent/teacher conferences, if requested
5. Counsel with colleagues, students and parents
6. Counsel with student and/or parent(s) concerning attendance problems
7. Counsel with student and/or parent(s) concerning student suicide contemplation
8. Assist law enforcement agencies in referral of student to court
9. Make visits to home of students in emergency situations
10. Make provisions for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day
11. Maintain and improve professional competence
12. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with parents through effective use of reports and conferences
13. Observe ethics of the teaching profession; exhibit professional behavior, emotional stability and sound judgment
14. Refer students suspected of learning disabilities for diagnosis on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required
15. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
16. Demonstrate knowledge of subject matter and present clear, complete, and accurate explanations utilizing a variety of instructional techniques and media suitable to the level of learners
17. Provide for and ensure safe storage and proper use of materials, equipment, and tools
18. Make contacts with the public with tact and diplomacy
19. Maintain respect at all times for confidential information, e.g., student grades, family history
20. Interact in a positive manner with staff, students and parents
21. Promote good public relations by personal appearance, attitude and conversation
22. Attend meetings and inservices as required per negotiated agreement
23. Follow all Governing Board policies and procedures
24. Perform all other duties as assigned and/or approved by the Superintendent
25. The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment at the Center.
26. Serve as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings
27. Help instill in students the belief in and practice of ethical principles and democratic values

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Respond to routine questions and requests in an appropriate manner
2. Establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships
3. Refer attendance, health, and psychological emotional problems to principal and nurse/mental health agency
4. Assist in selection of textbooks, equipment, and other instructional materials
5. Serve on committees and co-curricular activities as agreed upon
6. Attend professional growth seminars, workshops, etc., to keep current on relevant issues
7. Counsel, advise, encourage and motivate students
8. Interact with other departments and school personnel when necessary
9. Delegate work when appropriate and supervise same
10. Interact with public in official capacity when required
11. Interact with Superintendent and/or Governing Board and present information as requested
12. Serve on curriculum committees when requested

ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue
2. Occasional operation of a vehicle in inclement weather conditions
3. Occasional interaction among unruly children
4. Occasional requirement to travel
5. Occasional evening/weekend/summer work

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Ability to work effectively with others
2. Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
3. Exhibit effective, active listening skills
4. Possess organizational and problem solving skills
5. Possess skills that foster and facilitate learning and classroom management
6. Have training in varied instructional design
7. Possess knowledge of child development and an understanding of age appropriate tasks
8. Exhibit knowledge base in methodology and supervised practice
9. Possess ability to work in a team environment
10. Possess skills and knowledge in solution preparation

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:

Typical school technology as well as assistive technology (e.g., communication devices, etc.)

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Dates of the work period will be stated in the employment contract

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:

The School Counselor will be evaluated by the Student Services Director or his or her designee in accordance with the procedures identified by law and including the standards established by the organization. The employee will be given a copy of the evaluation instrument and standards in advance and he or she will be expected to conduct a self-evaluation and establish a minimum of one goal annually to advance knowledge, skill and/or ability in a job related area.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not

intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the Service Center.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.