Primary Purpose:

Plan, implement, coordinate, and evaluate a comprehensive developmental school counseling program at the assigned campus that promotes students' academic achievement, career and college readiness, personal/social development, and emotional well-being. Counsel students to fully develop their academic, career, personal, and social abilities in accordance with the Texas Education Code and the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs. Advise students regarding graduation requirements, Personal Graduation Plans (PGPs), endorsements, post-secondary opportunities, College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR), and provide responsive counseling and crisis intervention services while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Master's degree in Counseling, Guidance and Counseling, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Texas School Counselor Certificate.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of counseling procedures, developmental guidance, student appraisal, crisis intervention, and career development.
• Knowledge of Texas graduation requirements, Foundation High School Program, endorsements, HB 5 requirements, CCMR indicators, GPA calculation methodologies, transcript evaluation, and college admissions processes.
• Knowledge of FAFSA/TASFA requirements, financial aid opportunities, military pathways, workforce readiness, and scholarship resources.
• Knowledge of MTSS, Section 504, ARD procedures, and special populations.
• Ability to analyze student data, graduation plans, transcripts, and accountability indicators.
• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to present information in individual, small group, and large group settings to students, parents, staff, and community organizations.
• Proficient in district student information systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Experience:

• Experience in high school counseling preferred.

 

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Guidance Curriculum

1. Plan, organize, implement, and deliver a comprehensive developmental guidance curriculum aligned with the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.
2. Provide classroom guidance lessons that promote academic achievement, college and career readiness, interpersonal skills, personal safety, conflict resolution, decision-making, and social-emotional learning.
3. Collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and community partners to address student developmental needs.
4. Develop and implement engaging guidance lessons utilizing technology, guest speakers, and evidence-based instructional strategies.

Academic Planning and Student Advisement

1. Assist students in developing, reviewing, and updating Personal Graduation Plans (PGPs) in accordance with House Bill 5 requirements.
2. Monitor student progress toward graduation requirements, endorsements, performance acknowledgments, and post-secondary readiness.
3. Review, evaluate, and maintain student transcripts for accuracy and graduation eligibility.
4. Calculate and verify grade point averages (GPAs), class rank, graduation honors, and academic eligibility in accordance with district policy.
5. Advise students regarding course selection, dual credit, Advanced Placement (AP), OnRamps, career and technical education (CTE), and other advanced academic opportunities.
6. Interpret standardized assessment data including STAAR End-of-Course assessments, PSAT, SAT, ACT, TSIA2, and other assessments to assist students with educational planning.
7. Identify students at risk of academic failure or dropping out and develop intervention strategies to improve student success.

College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR)

1. Coordinate campus College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) initiatives to improve student outcomes and state accountability.
2. Monitor and maintain accurate CCMR documentation and student data for accountability reporting.
3. Assist students and families with college admissions, applications, financial aid (FAFSA/TASFA), scholarships, apprenticeships, military enlistment, and workforce opportunities.
4. Coordinate college visits, career fairs, military recruiter visits, financial aid workshops, and post-secondary planning activities.
5. Administer career interest inventories and assist students in developing career pathways aligned with their interests, strengths, and goals.
6. Collaborate with campus administration to improve CCMR performance indicators and graduation outcomes.

Responsive Services

1. Provide short-term individual and small group counseling to address students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
2. Utilize developmental guidance techniques to respond effectively to student crises and challenging situations.
3. Provide crisis intervention services during emergencies and coordinate referrals to community agencies and mental health providers when appropriate.
4. Implement preventive interventions designed to remove barriers to student success.
5. Assist students in developing coping skills, conflict resolution strategies, emotional regulation, and decision-making skills.
6. Serve as an impartial resource for student conflict resolution, including bullying prevention and intervention.
7. Participate on campus Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams and Safe and Supportive Schools Teams, as assigned.

Individual Planning

1. Assist students and parents in developing educational, career, and post-secondary plans.
2. Serve as an advocate for equitable access to educational opportunities for all students, including special populations.
3. Guide students through grade-level transitions and post-secondary planning.
4. Provide students and parents with information regarding graduation requirements, college admissions, career pathways, military opportunities, and financial aid.

System Support

1. Collect, analyze, and interpret academic, behavioral, attendance, graduation, and assessment data to identify student needs and improve campus programs.
2. Participate in campus improvement planning and assist in developing strategies to improve student achievement and campus accountability.
3. Conduct annual counseling program evaluations and needs assessments to improve counseling services.
4. Provide professional development and consultation for teachers, administrators, and parents regarding student academic, career, and social-emotional development.
5. Collaborate with district personnel and community agencies to coordinate services for students and families.
6. Maintain counseling calendars, documentation, program goals, and accountability reports in accordance with district and state requirements.

Compliance and Program Management

1. Ensure compliance with Texas Education Code, State Board of Education rules, Texas Education Agency guidelines, FERPA, and all district policies.
2. Maintain confidentiality of student records and counseling services in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
3. Spend at least eighty percent (80%) of work time providing direct and indirect counseling services to students as required by Texas Education Code §33.006 and Board policy.
4. Maintain accurate records for counseling activities, graduation requirements, transcript reviews, CCMR indicators, and student interventions.
5. Participate in professional development to remain current on counseling practices, graduation requirements, CCMR accountability measures, and legal updates.

Other Related Duties

1. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, transcripts, graduation documentation, CCMR reports, and other required records.
2. Comply with all federal, state, district, and campus policies and procedures.
3. Adhere to the ethical standards established by the Texas Counseling Association, American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and the Texas Education Agency.
4. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the campus principal or designee.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Tools/Equipment Used:
Personal computer and peripherals; student information systems; standard office equipment; instructional technology.

Posture:
Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion:
Frequent walking, reaching, repetitive hand motions, and keyboarding.

Lifting:
Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students as permitted by law and district policy.

Environment:
Work primarily inside; occasional outdoor duties.

Mental Demands:
Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions; meet multiple deadlines; may work prolonged or irregular hours during registration, graduation, testing, and crisis response.