Position Type: Student Support Services/Guidance CounselorDate Posted: 5/31/2024Location: District-Wide/ Multiple Locations
MISSION: The Chester Upland School District is committed to providing all students the opportunity to achieve excellence in the four A's: Academics, Athletics, Arts, and Activities. The senior leadership team continues to build a talented and committed team to ensure all students are prepared to graduate from Chester Upland schools career and college ready! The
C.O.R.E. is the foundation of the Chester Upland School District's vision and mission.
C.O.R.E.: C- Children First: The well being and continuous learning of every child will drive decisions.
O- One Chester Upland: With dedicated community of partners, parents, students and staff, we will excel, united as One Chester Upland.
R- Reimagining: Through a mode of continuous improvement, we will apply four important levers for change, collaboration, capacity building, deepening knowledge of pedagogy, and focusing direction to improve outcomes for all.
E- Equity, Excellence, and Emotional Intelligence: We will ensure equitable access to a quality education that includes emotional intelligence and leads to excellence across all opportunities and services.
Position Purpose Under the general supervision of the Director of Pupil Services, to provide students, parents, administrators, and other teaching staff with information on career and or educational opportunities; administer and interpret career assessment tools; and assist students in developing educational and occupational goals and plans.
Essential Performance Responsibilities - Assists students in evaluating students' aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and works with students in developing education and occupation plans consistent with such evaluation.
- Assists students in making course and subject selections, as well as with evaluating career interests and choices.
- Assists in the scheduling of classes.
- Obtains and disseminates information regarding occupational opportunities to students and to classes studying occupations.
- Assists students with admissions, scholarship and identifying employment opportunities.
- Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with guidance services.
- Researches educational and career opportunities, and coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists, and business and community organizations for the purpose of providing information, and making recommendations.
- Assists with the registration and orientation students who are new to the school regarding procedures and educational opportunities.
- Assists with the school district's dropout prevention efforts.
- Serves as ready resource to students to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
- Plans and coordinates field trips to institutions of higher learning, businesses and other organizations related to guidance responsibilities.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.
Additional Duties Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Knowledge of pre/post high school program eligibility requirements.
- Knowledge of college/university admissions processes, scholarship programs and other educational opportunities.
- Knowledge of current developments in business and industry regarding career opportunities and employment.
- Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Qualifications Profile - Master's Degree in Guidance & Counseling with School Counseling Endorsement
- Minimum of three (3) years' experience as a Guidance Counselor
- Possession of a valid PA Personnel or School Guidance Counselor Certificate
- Preferred experience in an urban school setting
- The following are required:
- PA Criminal clearances
- PA Child Abuse clearances
- FBI clearances
- Physical including TB Test
- Proof of U. S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
The information in this job description is for compliance with the Chester Upland School District Board Policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and qualifications for the position. The incumbent may perform or be assigned other duties. Equal Opportunity Employer The Chester Upland School District (CUSD) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CUSD ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources at 267-###-####.