Job Description:

OVERVIEW:

The position of Junior High School Counselor prepares all students for successful transition into high school and success through direct and indirect student services and instruction. The position is responsible for leadership, advocacy, and collaboration within and without the school to implement a preventative, proactive school counseling program, using the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model (2012). The position will promote student success through the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program which addresses academic, career, and social-emotional needs of students. The Junior High School Counselor also contributes to schoolwide college and career readiness efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Arizona School Counselor Certification required. Applicants must have on file in the Human Resources Department a copy of the appropriate valid certificate or evidence of eligibility to be appropriately certified by the Arizona Department of Education.
• Valid fingerprint clearance card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
• Master’s Degree in School Guidance and Counseling.
• Adherence to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards for school counselors.
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents and district personnel at all levels.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and cultures.
• Thorough understanding of academic requirements that lead to high school graduation.
• Knowledge of college and career readiness strategies and programs as well as postsecondary options.
• Willingness to adapt to change.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Classroom teaching experience or demonstration of effective classroom instructional practices.
• Prior experience as a school counselor.
• Knowledge of ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success
• Experience in college and career readiness work including the knowledge of academic, social emotional, and college and career development.
• Experience with use of technology in research, school counseling program development, management, and delivery.
• Actively involved in school community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and manage a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs
• Implement a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, which monitors student progress and provides personalized support for students who are not on track to graduate within four years.
• Maintain accountability within a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, including collaboration with the administration and faculty members to regularly make data-informed, evidence-based, counseling decisions.
• Serve as a systems change agent within a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, including the development of evidence-based programming to address the priority college and career readiness needs of the school.
• Spend 80% or more of documented time on direct and indirect services to students.  Direct services to students typically include instruction of core curriculum, group activities promoting academic and social/emotional development, individual student college and career planning, responsive services in individual or small group settings, and crisis response support.  Indirect services to students typically include consultation with parents, teachers, educators, and community organizations; collaboration with educators, parents, and the community in regards to student achievement; and referrals for students and families to school or community resources.
• Spend 20% or less of documented time on program planning and support.
• Support 504 referral, evaluation, and accommodation processes for students in one’s caseload.
• Assist students in crisis situations and refer to district or community resources when appropriate.
• Remain current with federal laws, state statutes, and district policies related to college and career readiness.
• Remain current with postsecondary college and career opportunities and best practices, including changes to college admission and financial aid criteria (especially, but not limited to FAFSA) if applicable.
• Remain current with junior high and high school registration process and best practices, including changes to course offerings and enrollment practices
• Support Special Education team on a case-by-case basis when needed, including attendance at relevant IEP meetings.

Mesa Public Schools is an award-winning district and voted Best Place to Work in Mesa. With over 9,000 employees, we are the largest school district in Arizona. Families have sent generations of students through our schools, as we are the premier educational choice in Arizona.

Base Salary:

$54,035.00

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New hire experience:

$500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or

Verified like experience

New hire education:

$65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max,

MA +60 hours max $1000 for advanced degrees

Class/Calendar:

Certified Exempt, 187 workdays

Benefits:         

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, matched retirement, health,

and life insurance

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZATION: The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or marital status.