DESCRIPTION:

Leadership, advocacy and collaboration are the skills school counselors will draw on to implement a preventative, proactive school counseling program using the current American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs for the purpose of serving as a student advocate and systems change agent. Counselors will promote student success through the implementation of this comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the academic, career and personal/social needs of students in a manner consistent with the current Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) Local Educational Agency (LEA) plan. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
     

1. Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate an ASCA National Model aligned school counseling program in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development
2. Abide by the ASCA Ethical Standards for Professional School Counseling
3. Pursue professional growth and participate in local, state and national school counseling related conferences and workshops
4. Utilize technology and data-based systems to make decisions regarding the school counseling program.  Use data to develop strategies for closing the achievement gap and implement intentional school counseling activities
5. Consult and collaborate with school personnel on Comprehensive Student Support Teams such as SART, SIT, SST, COST, SERT
6. Collaborate with school personnel to facilitate smooth transitions from elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school and high school to the world of college and career
7. Establish a planning calendar for school counseling program activities. Use the majority of time providing direct services through the school counseling curriculum, individual student planning and preventive and responsive services with remaining time in program management, system support and accountability
8. Implement developmentally appropriate, prevention-oriented classroom lessons and group activities including conflict resolution, crisis intervention, school connectedness and resiliency skills for all students
9. Implement developmentally appropriate, intervention-oriented individual and small group activities for students who are most in need as indicated by risk factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: poor attendance, personal/social issues, stress, home issues, substance abuse, anger/self-control issues, gang issues, bullying, school safety and discipline violations
10. Conduct a mid-year and annual program assessment to measure the effectiveness of the school counseling program, sharing results with stakeholders
11. Communicate, establish and maintain effective relationships with administrators, teachers, school staff, students and parents through activities such as parent/ teacher/student conferences, serving on committees and observing students in the classroom
12. Collaborate with staff to support middle and high school students in creating and updating their Professional Learning Plan
13. Monitor student progress utilizing data, making a direct distinct connection to the academic, career and personal/social success of all students
14. Conduct a cumulative records review for all new, transitioning or at-risk students to determine appropriate course selection and program services
15. Guide students in the development of their post-secondary educational and/or career goals through the teaching and/or supervision of career development activities
16. Inform students and parents regarding the college admission process, including the application process, prerequisites and financial aid
17. Identify and refer potential dropouts to services beyond the scope of the traditional school program by assisting comprehensive, continuation and adult schools in the transfer process to increase opportunities for students to graduate
18. Discuss test results with students and parents and their implications for educational and career planning
19. Update and maintain course approval documents for UC/CSU and collegiate athletics at the school site
20. Inform students and their parents of appropriate school and community resources
21. Write letters of recommendation for students regarding career opportunities, college admissions and scholarships and assist faculty members to do the same
22. Counselors will meet monthly by grade span levels, to continue collaborative work of the ASCA model school counseling program and share progress on implementation
23. Perform other related duties as assigned by District and Site Administration

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Credentials and Experience:

• Must possess a valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential authorizing School Counseling, or equivalent
• Master's degree preferred
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License
• Bilingual preferred

Knowledge of:

• American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs
• Effective research based counseling techniques for individuals and small groups and interventions for at-risk students

• Student achievement data analysis and reporting
• Existing materials, resources and curriculum related to school counseling
• Local agencies, community and school programs, and resources that are available to students and their families

Ability to:

• Interpret school, district and post-secondary policies
• Serve as a social justice advocate charged with closing the access, opportunity and attainment gaps
• Successfully work with all students taking into consideration culture, ethnic and economic barriers to future success
• Organize and communicate effectively with all stakeholders

Incorporate within one or more of the previously mentioned performance responsibilities, which are essential functions of this job description, are the following essential physical requirements:

• Work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations
• Circulate for extended periods of time
• See, for purposes of reading laws and codes, rules and policies and other printed matter and observing students
• Understand speech at normal levels
• Communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation