DEPARTMENT/SITE: Quitman County Elementary School
QUALIFICATIONS: Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling (MS Code 37-9-79)
Valid Mississippi Department of Education Certification
Minimum Two years of successful experience in education as a
classroom teacher

REPORTS TO: Principal/Assistant Principals
SUPERVISES: Students

JOB GOAL: The primary function of school counselors in Mississippi is to provide a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program for all public school children at all grade levels, from prekindergarten through grade 12; to consult with parents/guardians, teachers, and other school staff members to enhance their effectiveness in guiding and supporting students in progressing through the grade levels and in planning their careers; and to provide support for the other education programs in the individual schools.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Program Development and Evaluation
a. Goals, objectives, and activities of the guidance program are developed using the results of needs assessments.
b. Organizes a guidance committee that functions in an advisory capacity
c. Develops a guidance calendar of activities that lists on-going and regular events and activities
d. Secures and makes available to students’ information and material on further educational opportunities, personal growth and development, and occupational opportunities and trends
e. Develops procedures for program
f. Implementing the guidance curriculum in each teacher’s classroom and/or systematically conducting developmental counseling programs for each grade level in the particular school throughout the year
g. Provides resources to teachers to facilitate their teaching of counseling content in their regular lessons
2. Counseling and Consultation
a. Provides time in the daily schedule for individual counseling for students
b. Plans and implements group guidance activities
c. Consults with families, teachers, administrators, and other appropriate individuals regarding services and programs available to/for students
d. Prepares a list of contact personnel in agencies, programs, and services external to the school setting for collaboration and referral

3. Student Appraisal
a. Interprets test results to appropriate individuals
b. Assists in identifying students that need special services
c. Assists in reviewing students’ progress at the end of each grading period
4. Academic Advisement and Educational and Occupational Planning
a. Assists with registering and orienting new students
b. Provides orientation to students from “feeder” schools
c. Conducts course selection
d. Provides students with information on school district policies regarding counseling services, student activities, competency and grade-level testing, graduation, and college admission requirements
e. Provides students with materials and information regarding career and post-high school educational opportunities; assists with college application, scholarships, and employment applications including the writing of letters of recommendation (See Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.)
f. Informs families of student-related career and educational opportunities
g. Consults with administrators and teachers in the planning of course offerings that meet the needs and interests of students
5. Referrals and Follow-up
a. Receives and acts upon referrals from administrators, teachers, families, agencies, and other professional staff
b. Assists families in effective use of community and school resources such as (a) identification of students needing special assistance, (b) maintaining a current file of alternate programs and schools, (c) counseling families and students about alternatives available, and (d) following up on students’ progress
6. Professional Responsibilities and Development
a. Organizes office for effective use and prepares/submits reports, records, lists, and other paperwork accurately and timely
b. Participates in meetings on the local, district, state, or national level as required or appropriate
c. Keeps informed of developments within the profession by maintaining active membership in appropriate organizations, attending professional meetings, reading professional journals and other publications, and networking with other professionals
d. Adheres to district board policies and procedures and administrative directives
e. Communicates effectively using standard oral and written English
f. Abides by the American School Counselor Code of Ethics (See Appendix A.)
g. Abides by the Mississippi Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct
7. Other counseling duties or other duties as assigned by the school principal.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 190 or 220 Days (Depends on site).
Salary for this position shall be commensurate with the years of experience as determined under the policies and procedures of the Quitman County School District and in accordance with the pay scale.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board of Trustees' policy on evaluation of District personnel.