Future School Counselor

MUSKINGUM VALLEY ESC SCHOOL DISTRICT; Zanesville (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational organization in Zanesville, Ohio, is seeking a School Counselor to provide guidance and counseling to students. The role involves maintaining student safety, attending meetings, and collaborating with parents and staff to support student welfare and educational development. Candidates must possess valid Ohio Department of Education credentials and demonstrate strong communication and counseling skills. This position offers an opportunity to make a positive impact within the school and community.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mental health diagnostic criteria and appropriate interventions.
• Knowledge of group/individual counseling theories and their application.
• Successful completion of BCI/FBI background checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and counsel to students promoting welfare and educational development.
• Ensure safety by reporting pertinent information to appropriate agencies.
• Attend parent/teacher conferences if requested.

Skills

Ability to work effectively with others

Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly

Exhibit effective, active listening skills

Possess organizational and problem-solving skills

Skills that foster and facilitate learning

Education

Valid Ohio Department of Education licensure/credentials

Job description

Overview

Reports to: Student Services Director

Employment Status: As assigned on board-approved contract

FLSA Status: Exempt

Qualifications

• Valid Ohio Department of Education licensure/credentials
• Knowledge of mental health diagnostic criteria and appropriate interventions
• Knowledge of group/individual counseling theories and appropriate use of such with children and families
• One to two years related experience preferred
• 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.

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

Other Duties And Responsibilities

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

Additional Working Conditions

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

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

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