High School Counselor - Diocese of Austin Catholic Schools

Ministerial Character

The principal is the visible foundation of the school which the Bishop has entrusted to the principal. The principal makes Christ's mission present and enduring in the school. In order to fulfill this mission, the principal employs suitable, chosen collaborators. The principal shares with them Christ's mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed in the school help to extend the ministry of the principal in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the principal in the performance of the principal's ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Job Summary

The counselor fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by assisting the faculty and administration in the development of a guidance program and counseling students in areas of academic, career, and social/emotional domains. The counselor has decision-making authority within the realm of the office in consultation with the principal. This position reports to and is evaluated by the principal.

Essential Duties

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
• Prepares and implements the guidance program for students.
• Identifies specific needs of students in academic as well as personal domains
• Coordinates the testing program and assists with test interpretation for teachers, students and parents
• Disseminates information and provides direct services with regard to college planning, discernment, admission, and careers
• Assists students with social/emotional issues and offers referral options for outside counseling
• Maintains student records and college counseling data base
• Maintains current and accurate records according to school policy
• Meets staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese/local administration
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits

Essential Duties (continued)

• Keeps abreast of college entrance requirements and of guidance principles and programs
• Sends transcripts and records upon request
• Coordinates with faculty and staff concerning student achievement and other needs
• Continues personal growth through association membership in professional organizations
• Assists with scheduling and other student oriented tasks
• Collaborates with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Knowledge of human development and adolescent issues
• Counselor Job Description (Continued Page 2 of 2)
• Knowledge of college admission counseling and processes
• Knowledge of standardized assessment instruments and applicable interpretation
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Able to work independently and self-motivate
• Able to organize and manage multiple projects and tasks
• Able to respond to crises effectively
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Master's Degree in Counseling or Master's Degree in Psychology or Social Work with courses included or added that address theories and methods in counseling, psychology of adolescence, career information and development, multi-cultural counseling, and vocational, academic and career testing.

Experience:

• 3 years' experience in education, school counseling field, or related area

Certifications and Training:

• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 60 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.

Mental / Physical Tasks: (Place "E" next to Essential Tasks)

Working Conditions

• Required to work some nights and weekends
• Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress
• Required to work a minimum of a full school day
• Required to work in standard office and school conditions

Employee Certification

All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin.

Texas is an "at-will" employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a pre-determined time or guarantee of employment.