Decatur Central High School Lead Counselor

Description
Decatur Central High School: Lead Counselor
TITLE: Decatur Central High School Lead Counselor
REPORTS TO: Building Principal in collaboration with Director of Secondary Education, and SLC Directors
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Certified (202 Days/Certified Teacher Benefits)
LOCATION: DCHS
ECA Stipend: Per DEA Agreement
Qualifications:

• Master's Degree
• Indiana Counselor License
• Classroom teaching experience preferred
• Good communication & presentation skills.
• Strong human relations skills. Including professional tact, diplomacy, and collaboration.
• Problem-solving, organizational, & leadership skills.
• Strong work ethic
• A sincere desire to aid all students with social, emotional, & academic needs.

Responsibilities/Key Duties:
Counseling Program Development, Management, Monitoring, & Evaluation

• Collaborate with the building Principal to oversee the school counseling program for students in grades 9-12. Assist in the organization, management, supervision and evaluation of clear procedures for the operation of counseling services at DCHS & DTSE. This role includes counseling services for educational, college and career planning, social & emotional development, and implementation of the guidance and CCR curriculum. In addition, ensure compliance with all laws, administrative codes, board policies and regulations under Indiana law.
• Plan and carry out an effective program of system-wide school counseling in which counselors provide service to all students; including but not limited to: general education students, high ability students, students considered to be at risk, students identified as English Language Learners (ELL), & students classified as students with disabilities.
• Assist the principal in observing and developing Personal Development Plans with counselors. (Not evaluating)

Career Exploration Programming

• In collaboration with the Admin team, Counselors, Lead Teachers, & Content Leads, implement a comprehensive Career Education Program.
• In collaboration with the principal, develop certification, internship, and job shadowing opportunities for high school students.
• In collaboration with the principal, develop a work-based learning program for students.
• Collaborate with the Admin team & community resources to coordinate and provide counseling and career education services who might be experiencing difficulty. Including, but not limited to, academic achievement, health related concerns, & physical, emotional, & learning disabilities.

School to Community Liaison

• Establish effective liaison status with the various offices & agencies within the community that may provide specialized or professional help to students or their parents.
• Establish effective working relationships with other institutions of greater Indianapolis & statewide that may be of use to students, parents, & teachers.
• Define & interpret the professional functions of school counselors to administrators, teachers, students, parents, & the public.
• Serve as a resource person in the assessment & diagnosis of learning styles & social & emotional needs of students using a variety of techniques.
• Participate in conferences with students, parents, teachers and/or administrators to assist.

Drop-out Prevention

• Assist other school personnel in preventing students from dropping out of school. Assist in securing alternative programs or possible employment opportunities when warranted.

Professional Development

• Provide opportunities for effective staff development that addresses the need for counseling, guidance, and college & career education programs. Include workshops, conferences, visitations, demonstration lessons, etc.
• Assume responsibility for your own professional development; keep current with new literature, research findings, & improved techniques in school counseling.
• Collaborate with administration to plan & supervise professional development program for new and returning school counselors.

Grant/State Reporting

• Assist in preparing grant, state reporting & other applications applicable to guidance & CCR.

Data Collection/Monitoring

• Collect, maintain, & be the high school level liaison for all college and career readiness data.
• Conduct exit surveys of students who graduate or leave school to gather data about their experiences in school. Analyze & share the data with the appropriate staff.
• Conduct an annual review of secondary counseling department, evaluating the effectiveness of programming & delivery of services.
• In collaboration with the principals, oversee the continuing study & record keeping on drop-outs & follow up of graduates & alumni.

Plan, Conduct, & Attend Events

• Conduct and/or attend required staff meetings & serve, as needed, on school and/or district committees.
• Represent the school & district at community, state, & professional meetings when requested.
• Conduct meetings as necessary for the proper functioning of the College and Career Readiness initiative.
• Collaborate with the admin team, HS & MS counselors to plan & implement a series of college and career readiness parent engagement workshops.

Professional Standards

• Establish and promote high standards & expectations for all students & guidance staff for academic performance & responsibility for behavior.
• Display the highest ethical and professional behavior & standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, & agencies associated with the school & district.
• Establish professional rapport & communication with staff that gains the respect of students & staff members.

Legal Requirements & Compliance

• Understand the legal requirements governing the implementation of guidance & counseling services, information & referral services, Section 504, accommodation plans & special education placement & related services for students with disabilities.
• Supervise procedures for the secure & confidential storage of student records. Protect the confidentiality of information gained as part of exercising professional duties & use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.

Master Schedule/Website

• Support the HS principals & directors with the master schedule.
• Assist with updating and maintaining the counseling pages on the website for the district & both high schools.

Benefits
Comprehensive Certified Employee Benefit Package