JOB DESCRIPTION:  High School Counselor (Student Success Focus)

CONTRACT TERMS:  210-Day Calendar

REPORTS TO:  Building Principal

SALARY SCHEDULE:  Social Circle City School District Certified Salary Schedule + position supplement

Fair Labor Standards Act:  Exempt

OVERALL PURPOSE:

The job of the High School Counselor is to implement a comprehensive school counseling program that supports students’ academic, career, and social-emotional development; provide individual and group counseling services; coordinate student support systems and interventions; and develop programs that remove barriers to student success, including college and career readiness, attendance, and student engagement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education:
  • Master’s or higher degree in School Counseling.
• Certification:
  • Valid Georgia School Counselor certification (S-5 or higher) as required by the Professional Standards Commission.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as may be appropriate and acceptable.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Knowledge of comprehensive school counseling programs aligned to ASCA and Georgia standards.
• Knowledge of college and career readiness pathways, including dual enrollment, work-based learning, and postsecondary planning options.
• Ability to provide individual and group counseling services.
• Ability to analyze student data (attendance, grades, behavior) to inform interventions.
• Ability to coordinate school-based and community resources.
• Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to build relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES:

School Counseling Program Implementation

• Implements a comprehensive developmental counseling and guidance program aligned to school and district goals.
• Provides individual and group counseling to address academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Conducts classroom guidance activities focused on academic success, career readiness, and personal development.
• Participates in the Student Support Team (SST) and other intervention teams.
• Assists in crisis prevention, intervention, and response.

Student Support, Case Management, & Success Planning (SSC-Aligned)

• Manages a caseload of identified students requiring additional academic, behavioral, or social-emotional support.
• Monitors student attendance, engagement, and progress; implements targeted interventions and supports, including participation in state or district-supported student success initiatives as assigned.”
• Conducts student conferences and collaborates with families to address barriers to success.
• Connects students and families with school-based and community resources.
• Provides ongoing encouragement, mentorship, and support to identified students.

College, Career, & Postsecondary Readiness

• Guides students and families on graduation requirements, career pathways, dual-enrollment opportunities, and postsecondary options.
• Coordinates college and career exploration activities (e.g., guest speakers, college visits, career fairs, job shadowing).
• Supports work-based learning, dual enrollment, and career pathway initiatives.
• Assists students with postsecondary planning, including applications, financial aid awareness, and transition readiness. 

Student Records, Scheduling, & Academic Support

• Assists with student registration, scheduling, and course placement.
• Evaluates transcripts and maintains accurate student records.
• Prepares and processes transcripts and official documentation.
• Notifies students and families of academic concerns, including deficiencies in promotion and graduation.
• Assists with standardized testing coordination and data analysis.

Program Coordination & School Support 

• Collaborates with school leadership, staff, and community partners to develop and implement student support initiatives.
• Supports implementation of service-learning opportunities and student engagement activities.
• Participates in planning and facilitating school-wide programs that support student success.
• Maintains records and reports related to student services, interventions, and program outcomes.

Professional Responsibilities

• Serves as a collaborative member of the school leadership and student support teams.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA and district policy.
• Maintains required licenses and certifications.
• Participates in professional learning and applies current research and best practices.
• Follows work scheduling and attendance requirements in a regular, predictable, and punctual manner.
• Ensures adherence to safety procedures and school protocols.
• Follows federal and state laws, as well as Board policies and district procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require some lifting (up to 50 pounds), carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 50% sitting, 30% walking, and 20% standing. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING:
Maintains all licenses and certifications

EVALUATION: 

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Counselor Keys Effectiveness System (CKES).

CLEARANCES: 

Criminal Justice Fingerprint 

Background Clearance

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE

The Social Circle City School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sex in its employment practices.  It is the policy of the Board of Education to comply fully with the requirements of Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and all accompanying regulations.