School Counselor

Job Description

The School Counselor provides a comprehensive school counseling program which meets the needs of the students to promote and enhance academic, spiritual, personal, social, and career development of all Mount de Sales students. Duties involve implementing the school counseling curriculum, individualized and group sessions, serving as a resource for staff, and parents, and making appropriate referrals to community agencies, programs, etc. as appropriate. The School counselor must possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills that allow for communication with all levels of the school constituents. The counselor exhibits dedication to the mission and vision of Mount de Sales Academy.

The School Counselor at Mount de Sales Academy is expected to be a highly skilled professional person who works in close collaboration with the administration so that he/she may effectively fulfill the various roles that must be assumed during the course of the day. Mount de Sales Academy seeks to offer a high quality program that is integrated with religious truths and values. The School Counselor strives to provide opportunities for the students to be prepared for life in today's Church and society through a strong basic formation in the beliefs, values and traditions of the Catholic Church. The School Counselor is expected to model Gospel values in personal demeanor, professional style and the counseling he/she imparts to the students of the school. Respect for the dignity of each person under his/her care is of utmost importance. Likewise, students are expected to model Christ-like behavior in their actions with Counselor and with one another.

Duties and Responsibilities
• Maintain full confidentiality with academic and personal student information.
• Document student interactions, interventions, and decisions as needed.
• Assists with developing an individualized four-year educational plan for students which are appropriately geared to meet her graduation requirements and career plans.
• Conduct developmental age appropriate lessons for each grade level.
• Aid in the administration of academic and standardized testing including the PSAT process.
• Provide counsel to students who have academic difficulty, or social-emotional concerns.
• Serve as a resource for faculty and parents regarding the developmental needs of the students.
• Facilitate individual conferences with teachers, students, and parents as needed.
• Select a variety of materials and resources for counseling, student or parent use.
• Refer students and parents to community agencies, program or specialists as appropriate.
• Assists with Honors Assembly
• Assist in accurate recording and maintenance of student records.
• Communicate regularly with the administration concerning issues that need to be addressed for the good of the student/students.
• Maintain a current understanding of student/school legal issues and procedures.
• Participate in Workshops and In-Service sessions as required.
Skills / Attributes Required
• Knowledge of the Church's teachings on moral issues
• Demonstrates commitment to the mission and vision of Catholic education in general and Mount de Sales Academy in particular
• Has excellent communication skills and able to work in a professional and collegial manner.
• Responsibilities may require working evenings and weekends to support the various programs and activities of the school.
• Can manage conflict successfully and will work proactively with students and parents in finding solutions to their questions and difficulties.
• Utilize computers effectively with knowledge of various software resources including basic working knowledge of Microsoft office and Canvas.
• Familiar with basic educational testing and measurement practices
• Knowledge of career counseling and community resources

Professional Qualifications

• Holds a master's degree from an accredited educational institution
• Certification or Licensure in School or Clinical Counseling
• Successful experience as a Counselor with adolescents (preferred).
• Proficient in Crisis Management with adolescents
• Knowledge of counseling techniques and referral process

About the Employer

Founded in 1852, Mount de Sales Academy is a private Catholic college-preparatory school for young women in grades 9-12. Located in Catonsville, Md., Mount de Sales Academy is
committed to educating its approximately 500 students in the Roman Catholic faith, academic excellence and community and leadership. Mount de Sales is accredited by the Middle States Association and administered by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia of Nashville, Tenn.