School Guidance Counselor - Western Christian School

Western Christian School equips students for a life of faith and learning by providing an educational experience highlighted by five key distinctions:  Christ-centered, academic excellence, nurturing community, peace and service, and enrichment opportunities.

Job Title: School Guidance Counselor

Reports To: Secondary Principal

Position Status: Full Time, 10 month position 

Start Date: 2022-2023 School Year

Salary and benefits (medical, retirement options) commensurate with experience

PHILOSOPHY 

This position includes the mentoring, advising, and guidance of students at Western Christian School in a manner that promotes Biblical values and excellence in academics to honor God and that guides and encourages students to fulfill their academic potential and promote positive spiritual development.

QUALIFICATIONS

• School Counseling Certification (Required)

• Master's in School Counseling (Preferred)

RESPONSIBILITIES

 The School Counselor will work closely with the Secondary Principal, teachers, students, and families to create a dynamic biblically-integrated environment that promotes excellence in academics and spiritual life. Key job areas and responsibilities include:

• To implement a K-12 Comprehensive Guidance Program

• Assist administration to build the master schedule

• Schedules students in appropriate classes depending on post-secondary plans in conjunction with parents, teachers, and administration.

• Motivate students to accept God’s gift of salvation and help them grow in their faith through their witness and Christian role modeling;

• Works with the administration, spiritual advisor and staff to address the spiritual formation needs of the students.

• Model effective teacher/parental partnering through timely and proactive communication with parents in support of student behavioral and academic success

• Counsels and academically advises students individually and/or in groups.

• Collects information for special reports from teachers, students, and records.

• Serves on team, working to review school-wide data, consider feedback and concerns from stakeholders and make a data-based decision using a tiered approach for meeting student needs.

• Assists in the schools admissions process as necessary

• Prepares student transcripts for schools, employers, etc.

• Sends out applications, transcripts, and recommendations to schools

• Serves on IEP, Section 504, or special individualized teams when deemed appropriate.

• Oversees the coordination and administration of the testing program (i.e. PSAT, ACT, AP, Star).

• Assists students in completing application forms for college, financial aid, and jobs.

• Writes recommendations on behalf of students for colleges, technical schools, scholarships, special awards, and military service

• Coordinates and sets up visits of representatives from colleges, technical schools, and military services.

• Organizes career days and college fairs.

• Calls and writes schools to set up visitation appointments and testing for students.

• Provides information on career areas and schools and interprets interest tests.

• Acts as a contact person for parents/guardians and students regarding financial aid, educational planning, and student grades and programs.

• Discusses student programs and makes recommendations as to what can be done in conjunction with teachers, parents, and administration.

WHERE EXCELLENCE IS EXPECTED

• Works with the student information system (FACTS) to provide PreK-12th coverage; also assists teachers with reporting and/or training/questions in regards to the student information system.

• Works with students on education/vocational post-secondary planning.

• Supervises and maintains cumulative records and enrolls students in grades 6 through 12.

• Performs any and all other duties assigned.

• Integrate Biblical principles and the Christian philosophy of education throughout all activities;

• Keep the Administration adequately informed of serious student issues;

• Recognize the need for good public relations and represent the school in a favorable and professional manner to the school’s constituency and the general public;

• Develop and maintain rapport with students, parents, and staff by treating others with friendliness, dignity, and consideration;

• Follow the Matthew 18 principle in dealing with conflict.

• Know the procedures for dealing with emergency situations.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

• Supervise extracurricular activities, organizations, and outings as assigned;

• Utilize educational opportunities and evaluation processes for professional growth;

• Support the broader program of the school by attending extracurricular activities when possible;

• The employee agrees to abide by the regulations set forth in the Faculty-Staff Handbook and the Parent-Student Handbook, as well as any additions made during the year.

• The employee agrees to cooperate in every way with the school administration and to adhere to the policies adopted by the Western Christian School Board of Trustees.