Job Summary

Under the supervision of the principal, the School Counselor evaluates students’ abilities, interests, talents, and personality characteristics in order to advise and develop appropriate academic and career goals. This position provides appropriate individual and group student guidance services regarding scholastic, educational, personal, and social conflicts. This is a part-time position requiring 20 hours a week. 

Essential Job Functions

Conduct individual counseling for students as well as group education related counseling as situationally appropriate.  Perform New York State and agency mandated guidance requirements for students in grades 7-12, on topics such as course selection and social-emotional school adjustment. Prepare and coordinate the enrollment of students into the Public School System with students, their families, and treatment teams.  Communicate with students’ home school district regarding social-emotional, and academic progress, credits earned, and any potential issues related to re-transitioning back to their home district.  Identify and coordinate services for students requiring vocational testing and training. Coordinate adult transitional services when students age out of Hillside programs and require external vocational services.  Function as a member of the interdisciplinary, integrated treatment team by setting, implementing, achieving, and evaluating student treatment goals and objectives.  Maintain and submit progress notes and other required reports.  Meet and consult with members of student’s treatment team.  Evaluate student progress and prepare reports that effectively detail treatment documents, evaluations, and treatment goals and plans.  Regularly update documentation and maintain all required documents and signatures in a confidential and organized manner. Schedule and administer mandatory state testing assessments in conjunction with the Principal. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by law and agency policy.  Initiate and conduct group conferences to plan and discuss programs and policies related to the assignment of quarters, social and recreational activities, and residential living.  Recommend changes in curriculum, methods, rules, and policies to agency administration when such changes are identified through student counseling.  Develop school curricula related techniques for disseminating educational and career information to students and their families. While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

Master’s Degree in School Counseling required Minimum 1 year of working as a School Counselor required

Special Requirements

Active, unrestricted School Counselor certification required Unrestricted, valid NYS driver’s license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards.    Must be able to work 12-month schedule

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

In addition to demonstrating the Hillside Professional Competencies of Communicates Effectively, Personal Excellence, Cultural Competence, Builds and Leverages Relationships, and Optimizes Decision Making, the following occupational competencies must be demonstrated:

Knowledge of educational systems, academic standards, and graduation requirements to assist students in setting and achieving academic goals and navigating the school curriculum. Familiarity with counseling techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and mental health assessment tools to address students' emotional and behavioral concerns effectively. Understanding of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and identities to provide culturally responsive counseling services and promote equity, inclusion, and diversity within the school community. Active listening and empathy skills to understand students' perspectives, validate their experiences, and provide nonjudgmental support in addressing their concerns and challenges. Proficiency in crisis management, conflict resolution, and problem-solving to address urgent situations, mediate conflicts, and implement proactive interventions to support students' well-being. Ability to advocate for students' rights, access to educational opportunities, and equitable treatment within the school environment, including addressing issues of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Proficiency in utilizing technology and data management systems to collect, analyze, and interpret student data for program evaluation, planning, and decision-making purposes.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to work a variable scheduling including evenings and weekends The following physical demands are required: Occasional sitting (up to 4 hours) Occasional standing (up to 1 hour) Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours) Occasional driving (up to 8 hours) Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours) Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours) Weekly lifting up to 50 lbs. (community-based staff may be required to lift an empty wheelchair weighing up to 50 lbs.), 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis Weekly carrying up to 55 lbs. approximately 10-100 ft., 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.) Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases or chemicals is apparent.  Protective clothing or equipment required: Close toed shoes; Protective Shields, Universal Precaution PPE, Gloves for toileting and food preparation Ability to change positions as needed

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

May be required to physically restrain clients weighing between 50 lbs. and 200 lbs. and guide them safely to the floor. In some circumstances, restraints can last up to 15 minutes and may require repetition as necessary.