Job Description:

Bismarck Public Schools is accepting applications for a school counselor at Wachter Middle School. This is a full-time position set to begin in the fall of 2024.

Qualifications

1. A valid ND teaching certificate

2. Master's Degree in school counseling

Additional information on the BPS benefit package is posted on the District website: https://www.bismarckschools.org/Page/1701.

A teaching contract is 187 days.

External candidates are allowed to bring in up to 15 years of contracted K - 15 teaching experience.

Purpose Statement

The job of School Counselor is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process with specific responsibility for managing the placement of assigned students; providing information and recommendations to parents and students; and assisting in the development of goals and plans for achievement.

This job reports to School Principal.

Other Functions

• Coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists and/or community (e.g.service clubs, courts, child protective services, etc.) for the purpose of providing/receiving requested information and/or making recommendations.

• Counsels students, parents, and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.

• Designs and facilitates group/individual counseling in response to identified data driven student needs.

• Develops a variety of special programs (e.g. career night, financial aid workshops, etc.) for the purpose of providing information to assist students in the successful transition from high school to career, training and/or continuing education.

• Monitors students' progress for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success.

• Prepares applications for students (e.g. scholarships, college, financial aid, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring completion of application processes within designated time frames.

• Prepares a wide variety of materials (e.g. quantity reports, student activities, correspondence, audits, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.

• Presents information (e.g. budget overviews, accounting processes, distribution formulas, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.

• Researches program eligibility requirements (e.g. financial aid, college eligibility, etc.) for the purpose of providing up-to-date, accurate counsel to students.

• Schedules student classes for the purpose of securing appropriate placement and meeting their graduation and college eligibility requirements.

• Supervises assigned programs (e.g. scholarships, peer counseling, special education, ESL, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall curriculum objectives.

• Organizes, plans, and delivers a developmentally appropriate and preventative classroom guidance curriculum that is aligned with BPS expectations for SEL supports for all students.

• Implements classroom management skills.

• Facilitates building Section 504.

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; preparing and maintaining accurate records; planning and managing projects; and using pertinent software applications.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: stages of child development.

ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing a variety of complex processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; Utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations.

Experience: Job related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education: Master’s degree in job-related area.

Certificates and Licenses: Valid ND teaching certificate. Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances: Criminal Background Clearance

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Grade: BA-0 to MA+60-15 on the Teacher Salary Schedule

Primary Location -Wachter Middle School

Salary Range -$52,121.00 - $76,156.00 / Per Year

Shift Type -Full-Time