At-Risk Counselor (Title-Funded) - Middle- School Year 2026-2027 (Anticipated Vacancies)

Spring Branch ISD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Spring Branch Independent School District in Houston is seeking an At‑Risk Counselor (Title Funded) for a middle school. You will plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program for at‑risk students, working with staff, families and community resources to promote academic, personal and social growth.

The role requires a Master’s in guidance counseling and Texas certification, is exempt, and reports to the Building Principal.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in guidance counseling is required.
• Valid Texas counseling certificate or out-of-state certificate appropriate for position.
• Two years teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Teach campus developmental guidance curriculum aligned with the district plan.
• Assist teachers in guidance-related instruction.
• Guide students to develop education and career plans.
• Coordinate opportunities for credit recovery in night school or virtual school.
• Provide documentation for 504 and Special Education accommodations to teachers.
• Transition freshmen orientation.
• Counsel individuals and small groups with presenting needs.
• Consult parents, teachers, and administrators to enhance student services.
• Develop positive relationships with community resources.
• Maintain an effective referral process to connect students with services.
• Address student adjustment issues.
• Support students with challenges in virtual courses.
• Create a conducive classroom environment and manage student behavior.

Skills

Guidance counseling

Counseling procedures

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Bilingual

Education

Master's in Guidance Counseling

Job description

Job Title

At‑Risk Counselor (Title Funded) - Middle School

Reports To: Building Principal

Classification: Professional

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Days: 195

Salary: See Compensation Plan for Administrative/Professional Pay Plan, Pay Grade 104

Contract: Probationary/Term

Date Revised: 2/10/2024

Primary Purpose: Work with school faculty, staff, at‑risk students, parents and community to plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program. Counsel at‑risk students to fully develop each student's academic, career, personal and social abilities and address the needs of special population students. Understand dynamics required for working with at‑risk students and implements strategies to ensure success.

Qualifications/Skills

• Master's degree in guidance counseling.
• Valid Texas counseling certificate or counseling certificate from out of state appropriate for position.

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal and career development.
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior.
• Bilingual preferred.

Experience

• Two years teaching experience.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Guidance

• Teach campus developmental guidance curriculum consistent with district's guidance program plan and tailored to campus needs.
• Assist teachers in the teaching of guidance related curriculum.
• Guide individuals and groups of students to develop education plans and career awareness.
• Coordinate opportunities for students to recuperate lost credits in an optimal environment, including the possibility of night school, curriculum labs and virtual school.
• Work with teachers to clarify lab classes vs. traditional expectations and procedures.
• Provide teachers with all documentation related to 504 and Special Education accommodations and clarify specific needs of students.
• Transition focus‑freshmen orientation camp.

Counseling

• Counsel individual students and small groups with presenting needs and concerns.
• Consult parents, teachers, administrators and other relevant people to enhance their work with students.
• Work with school and community personnel to bring together resources for students.
• Maintain a communication system that effectively collects and disseminates information to other professionals as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with other school professionals and representatives of community resources.
• Use an effective referral process to assist students and others to use specials programs and services.
• Handle student adjustment issues.
• Meet individually with students struggling with virtual courses.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Assist in the selection of books, equipment and other instructional materials.

Communication

• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals and teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job‑related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Compile, maintain and file all physical and computerized reports, records and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Equipment Used: Computer, ACTIV Board, copy machine and audio visual machines.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• This position requires regular in‑person interaction with the public.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing.
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desk and other classroom equipment.

Spring Branch Independent School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status or disability.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. By applying for this position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the job description listed above.