School Counselor
Reports To: Building Principal
Location: Junior High School (Grades 6–8)
Certification Required: New York State School Counselor Certification
Position Summary:
The Junior High School Guidance Counselor provides a comprehensive school counseling program that supports the academic, social-emotional, and college/career development of all students in grades 6–8. The counselor collaborates with administrators, teachers, families, and community agencies to ensure students receive the support needed to achieve success during the critical transition from elementary to high school.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Academic Development
? Assist students in developing academic goals and success plans.
? Monitor student progress, attendance, behavior, and academic performance.
? Conduct individual and group academic planning sessions.
? Coordinate intervention plans for students experiencing academic difficulties.
? Participate in Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) meetings.
? Review report cards, standardized assessment data, and progress reports to identify students needing additional support.
? Assist students and families in understanding graduation requirements and high school course pathways.
Social-Emotional Development:
? Provide individual and small-group counseling to address social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
? Teach coping, decision-making, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy skills.
? Support students experiencing crises, trauma, grief, or significant life changes.
? Make referrals to school psychologists, social workers, community agencies, or outside mental health providers as needed.
? Participate on crisis response and threat assessment teams.
College and Career Readiness
? Introduce career exploration activities appropriate for middle school students.
? Assist students in identifying interests, strengths, and future educational goals.
? Coordinate career awareness programs and high school transition activities.
? Support students during the transition from elementary school into junior high and from junior high into high school.
Student Support Services:
? Collaborate with special education staff, ENL teachers, school psychologists, social workers, and administrators.
? Assist with Section 504 plans and annual reviews.
? Participate in CSE meetings as appropriate.
? Help coordinate intervention plans for students with attendance, behavioral, or academic concerns.
Attendance and Student Engagement:
? Monitor student attendance and identify patterns of chronic absenteeism.
? Collaborate with families, administrators, and attendance personnel to improve attendance.
? Develop intervention strategies for students exhibiting attendance concerns.
? Promote positive school climate and student connectedness.
Family and Community Partnerships:
? Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress and concerns.
? Provide families with information regarding academic planning and available support services.
? Coordinate parent conferences as needed.
? Connect families with community resources and agencies.
Transition Planning:
? Coordinate sixth-grade orientation and transition activities.
? Assist eighth-grade students with high school scheduling and transition.
? Participate in orientation programs for students and families.
? Support students transferring into or out of the district.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
? Understanding of New York State graduation requirements and educational pathways.
? Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
? Ability to collaborate effectively with students, staff, families, and community agencies.
? Knowledge of MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, and trauma-informed practices.
? Ability to analyze student data and develop intervention plans.
? Proficiency with student information systems and educational technology.