POSITION TITLE:  High School Counselor 

Supervisor: Director of Counseling 

 

 

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

 

Under the supervision of the Director of Counseling, the Notre Dame Preparatory counselor promotes and enhances the educational experience for students through an integration of academic, personal/social, and post-secondary support and advisement. Candidates must be a team player and adept at working with students and families. Candidates will conduct individual and small group meetings, classroom presentations, and assist with events sponsored by the department (college visits, parent presentations, awards ceremonies). Candidates must work well in a cohesive environment and can communicate and consult with administration, teachers, staff, and parents regarding the developmental needs of students. College planning, career pathways, job shadowing, and internship experience preferred. NDP provides an inclusive Catholic school environment for high school students with varying degrees of abilities and backgrounds. Counselors work in collaboration with several programs to support teachers and endeavors on campus, and partner with parents to support all students. The counselor plans, coordinates, and implements programs and services directed toward the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of each student. The Counselor assists the Church and the school in the mission of evangelizing. The Counselor contributes to fostering the Catholic School culture by serving as a witness to students and to the community. By bearing witness to Christ, His Church and the teachings of our Catholic faith, the Counselor cooperates with Christ in the academic, spiritual, and social education of our high school students. The Counselor leads, instructs, and utilizes effective pedagogy; obtains necessary academic certificates; participates in continual professional development; maintains detailed and accurate records as required by the school; and imparts a Catholic worldview through the curriculum. In addition to academic preparation, record-keeping and accountability, the Counselor, as a member of a “house” within Notre Dame Preparatory High School, serves as a mentor and campus minister to all students. This position requires the ability to effectively communicate via phone and email; ensure that all duties are completed accurately and delivered with high quality and in a timely manner; flexibility, forward thinking and managing deadlines; willingness to seek the latest practices and implement; and rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals and a wide degree of creativity and latitude are expected.

 

GOALS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

 

Strives to achieve the philosophy and goals of Catholic education as well as the Mission of the School Promotes and upholds Gospel values and Catholic moral teaching. Provides opportunities for the students to be prepared for life in today’s Church and society. Works towards the creation of a Catholic community within the classroom, school environment, and the entire school community

 

SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS/TASKS

• Advises and coordinates the course of study for each student to secure appropriate placement and/or meet their graduation and college requirements.
• Schedules individual meetings with each student to evaluate his/her academic progress.
• Provide guidance to students, parents, and staff on request.
• Monitors student’s records for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding student goals.
• Monitors student academic progress and refers students for additional assistance as needed.
• Maintains and facilitates communication with students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Provides a variety of resources for academic growth and development.
• Coordinates and/or implements school standardized testing programs.
• Interprets and communicates test results for students, parents, and teachers.
• Provides students with general information regarding college admission.
• Conducts college planning seminars for students and parents.
• Provides opportunities for students and parents to meet with college and university representatives.
• Communicates to students and parents any information regarding financial aid and availability of scholarships.
• Communicates to students and parents any information regarding educational opportunities beyond the local school community.
• Writes recommendations and prepares documentation for college applications Assists students in matching career goals with skills and interests.
• Provides opportunities for career exploration.
• Collaborates with teachers to present guidance curriculum to students in a classroom setting.
• Provides speakers, material, and resources for guidance presentations.
• Identifies interpersonal skills that will help students understand and respect self and others.
• Advocates for the students with parents and school personnel.
• Schedules meetings with individual students to evaluate his/her personal growth and progress.
• Coordinates and facilitates parent, student, and teacher conference.
• Provides personal counseling and referral as needed.
• Assists students and parents in developing plans to address behavioral or attendance issues.
• Refers students and their parents to community agencies, programs, or specialists as appropriate.
• Facilitates any conflicts between interested parties Continues professional development to remain current with religious and academic certifications.
• Keeps informed of current practices through professional reading and educational opportunities.
• Participates in professional activities and joins appropriate professional organizations Attends Diocesan sponsored in-services.
• Attends and actively participates in school faculty meetings and in-services.
• Actively participates in the process of continuous school improvement.
• Maintains personal professional development records.
• Performs any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the principal or designated supervisor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Completes Ministry Formation Certification and/or re-certification as required by Diocesan policy.

• Completes required Safe Environment Training and Code of Ethics Promotes awareness and adherence to appropriate guidelines regarding confidentiality, the distinction between public and confidential information and staff consultation.

• Recognizes when a student’s condition indicates a clear and imminent danger to the student or others and is knowledgeable in informing the appropriate person/s.

• Demonstrates personal self-discipline, be adaptable and flexible in routine and unexpected situations.

• Uses good judgment in daily encounters Uses verbal and written language correctly.

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of good adolescent psychology.

• Always maintain appropriate grooming and dress as stated in the Faculty Handbook.

• Demonstrates knowledge of applicable computer software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear.

• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

• The employee must be able to stand for periods of time outside in the heat and cold.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The position will require some evening and weekend hours.

• The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.

• Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned·      

EVALUATION 

 

The performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the procedures developed by the Diocese of Phoenix and Notre Dame Preparatory under the direction of the Chaplain, Principal, Assistant Principals and Director of Counseling.

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Ten and a half-month employee (paid on a 12-month contract), full-time, salaried. The Executive Committee under the guidance of the Diocese of Phoenix establishes base salaries and stipends. A schedule of mandatory days and extra responsibilities is provided prior to the start of a new school year.

 

 

QUALIFICATION

• Preference given to a practicing Catholic, but faithful persons of other faiths are welcome Must be willing to make a public Profession of Faith if Catholic; if non-Catholic, willing to support Catholic teachings and philosophy.
• Experience in high school counseling preferred A master’s degree in school counseling, psychology or related field is required; higher degrees welcome.
• Received Safe Environment Training and signed the Code of Conduct. AZ Fingerprint clearance completed.