School Counselor - Wachter Middle School (2024-2025 School Year)

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 #hc114098