The School Counselor performs instructional duties and other essential functions which creates an atmosphere of mutual respect and caring to foster a positive climate for learning and personal growth. Performs related duties as required.

• Meets and instructs the students(s) in the locations and at the time designated;
• Develops and maintains the physical environment of the classroom that is conducive to effective learning within the limits of resources provided by the system;
• Prepares for classes assigned and shows evidence of preparation upon request of the immediate supervisor;
• Encourages students to set and maintain high standards of classroom behavior;
• Provides an effective program of instruction;
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities;
• Maintains and upholds school and county policies and procedures;
• Maintains records as required by law, system policy, and administrative regulations;
• Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules and administrative regulations.
• Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes within contractual commitments;
• Attends and participates in faculty and department meetings;
• Cooperates with other members of the staff in planning instructional goals, objectives, and methods;
• Assists in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials;
• Works to establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, and colleagues concerning both the academic and behavioral progress of all students;
• Establishes and maintains cooperative professional relations with others;
• Performs related duties as assigned by the administration in accordance with the school/system policies and practices.

Thorough knowledge of the instructional methods and presentation strategies for student learners; knowledge of child growth and development; knowledge and use of materials and resources in accordance with the adopted curriculum and consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided; demonstrated mastery of content area; strong instructional skills; ability to counsel students; effective communication skills with fellow teachers, assistant teachers, school division staff, parents, and the community; ability to establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships with administrative and school staff.

Candidates must meet state guidelines for teachers in the appropriate area of educational discipline. Must hold or be eligible for licensure in the State of Virginia with an endorsement in School Counseling. Must also have the ability to create environments that foster mutual respect with students and a positive learning climate.  Prefer experienced school counselor with strong background in trauma, poverty, troubled families, emotional/academic struggles in grades K-5.  Bilingual in English and another World Language preferred.

Duties are performed typically in a school setting to include classroom, gym, cafeteria, auditorium, and recreational areas. Frequent walking, standing, light lifting (possibly over 40 pounds), positioning, toileting, movement of students, and other physical activities are required. Students may require positioning and physical involvement. Occasional travel with students on field trips may be necessary. Movement of students by wheelchairs and other mechanical devices may be required. Occasional lifting of equipment such as audio-visuals weighing up to 50 pounds may be required. Occasional attendance at parent conferences, building level meetings, and division wide meetings and training activities beyond normal assigned hours is necessary. Daily personal and close contact with young adults to provide support in the learning environment is required. Regular contact with other staff members, parents, community agencies, and medical professionals may be required. Contacts with community and division-level staff may require considerable tact and diplomacy.

Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.