Middle School Academic Counselor - Wichita Falls Independent School District

Job Title:                      Middle School Academic Guidance Counselor   

Reports to:                   Principal

Dept./School:               Campus Assigned

Wage/Hour Status:       Exempt

Pay Grade:                   Teacher Pay Scale/205 days

Date Revised:               03/9/2023

Primary Purpose:

Under the direction of the Campus Principal and the Director of Social & Emotional Services, plan and implement a guidance and counseling program that supports the academic, personal, and career-related needs and goals of students to ensure successful student outcomes.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

A master’s degree in guidance and counseling

Valid Texas counseling certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Thorough knowledge of counseling strategies and practices

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Experience:

Three years teaching experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Program Management:

1. Provide individualized case management and guidance to students to develop educational plans and career awareness.
2. Plan schedules and recommend courses for students based on educational and career plans.
3. Track and ensure students meet all State and local coursework and assessment requirements.
4. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance knowledge of and work with individual students.
5. Monitor student grades and consult with teachers, parents, and appropriate support teams to help determine appropriate educational solutions for various types of students.
6. Coordinate activities that foster the educational and academic goals of the school and district.
7. Participate in the planning and delivery of educational and academic guidance topics at district-wide and campus parent/community events.
8. Help students transition from elementary school into 6^th grade.
9. Prepare 8^th grade students for successful transition into 9^th grade.
10. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
11. Assist with student enrollments, withdrawals, and records requests, as needed.
12. Evaluate student records for new students.
13. Plan and implement staff development related to case management and academic guidance.
14. Serve as an educational resource to students.
15. Serve as an advocate for students.

Consultation:

1. Help students and others use special programs and services.
2. Develop relationships with other guidance and counseling staff.
3. Promote WFISD programs to students, parents, administrators, counselors, teachers, and the community.
4. Stay up-to-date with changing requirements and legislation regarding student advisement, graduation plans, etc.
5. Serve on the 504 Committee.
6. Serve on Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) Committee.

Assessment:

1. Interpret test and other appraisal results appropriately.
2. Utilize various assessment results for academic guidance and course planning with students and parents.
3. Collaborate with other staff on testing referrals, interpretations, results, administrations, etc, as needed.

Administration:

1. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and board policy in the guidance and counseling area.
2. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
3. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
4. Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents.

Professional:

1. Model behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
2. Participate in professional development to improve skills related to job assignment.
3. Attend professional workshops and staff development opportunities.
4. Attend district PLCs, department, and professional develop meetings, as required.
5. Regular attendance.

Other Duties as Assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise any assigned student aides and clerical employees.

Provide input to campus principal regarding evaluations of clerical employees.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain control under stress. Frequent prolonged and irregular hours. Frequent districtwide travel.

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The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Applicants for all positions are considered without regard to race, color, sex, (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status.  Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminating employment practice.

The district Title IX Coordinator isDayna Hardaway, Director of Human Resources, 1104 Broad St., Wichita Falls, TX 76301 940-235-1012

Questions regarding posted positions should be addressed to human resources 940-235-1012.