SCHOOL COUNSELOR K12

POSITION GOAL

To provide a comprehensive K-12 school counseling program that supports students' academic achievement, college and career readiness, and personal/social development, in accordance with the New Mexico PED school counseling competencies and BIE requirements for Tribally Controlled Schools. This is an academic and guidance counseling position, and it is distinct from the School Social Worker and behavioral health roles.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, including 36-42 graduate hours in school counseling and a practicum in a school setting (NMPED School Counselor license, Pre K-12, Pathway 1).
2. Valid New Mexico PED School Counselor license (Pre K-12), or eligibility for the license with the application completed and a license issued within [timeframe] of hire.
3. Passing score on the PRAXIS School Counselor examination (5422), as required by NMPED for licensure.
4. Knowledge of fiscal compliance as required by P.L. 100-297, IDEA, and P.L. 107-110 (ESSA).
5. Bilingual (Navajo/English) preferred.
6. Must obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
7. Must maintain a valid, insurable driver's license.
8. Must pass extensive background checks and fingerprinting per 25 CFR Part 12, Subpart D (§12.32); 25 CFR Part 63, Subpart E (§63.17); and Public Law 101-647 (Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act).

NAVAJO PREFERENCE

Preferential consideration for employment will be given to persons of documented Navajo tribal membership who meet the qualifications above, in accordance with the requirements of the Navajo Preference in Employment Act.

ADDITIONAL PREFERENCES

1. Knowledge of the language(s), traditions, and culture of the Shiprock community.
2. Knowledge of the physical, economic, and social environment of the Shiprock community that is likely to affect student progress in school.
3. Knowledge of appropriate professional relationships with Native American students and parents.
4. Experience as a school counselor in a K-12 school, or in a tribal or Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded setting.
5. Familiarity with the ASCA National Model or a comparable comprehensive school counseling framework.
6. Knowledge of NASIS or similar student information systems.
7. Ability to be dependable and punctual in attendance at work.
8. Ability to understand, speak, read, and write the English language.
9. Ability to maintain harmonious interpersonal relationships on the job, with SASI staff, students, parents, and community members.
10. Ability to determine when to refer problems and situations to a higher authority and the willingness to do so.
11. Ability to demonstrate new skills and subject areas through formal training.
12. Ability to prepare oral and written reports on the job and follow specific written instructions.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Planning & Academic Advising

1. Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive K-12 school counseling program addressing academic, career/college, and personal/social development, consistent with the NMPED school counseling competencies.
2. Advises students on course selection, scheduling, credit accrual, and graduation requirements; monitors progress toward graduation and flags students at risk of falling behind.
3. Assists with new student enrollment, records transfer, and course placement.
4. Provides age-appropriate guidance lessons and classroom presentations (e.g., study skills, goal-setting, post-secondary options) as scheduled.

College & Career Readiness

1. Coordinates college and career readiness activities, including college applications, financial aid/FAFSA guidance, scholarship information, career exploration, and post-secondary planning.
2. Coordinates administration of standardized and state-required assessments as scheduled and assigned.
3. Interprets student assessment, academic, and enrollment data to guide student planning and inform school-wide decisions.

Student Guidance & Support

1. Provides short-term, solution-focused counseling support to individual students or small groups on academic and school-related concerns.
2. Refers students needing longer-term or clinical mental health services to the School Social Worker, behavioral health staff, or outside providers, as appropriate.
3. Participates in Student Assistance Team (SAT), 504, and/or IEP meetings as requested to provide guidance-related input.
4. Supports school-wide initiatives related to attendance, discipline, and student engagement in coordination with other student support staff.

Collaboration & Communication

1. Consults and collaborates with teachers, administrators, Special Education staff, residential staff, and student support staff to support student success.
2. Communicates with parents/guardians regarding student academic progress, course planning, and graduation requirements.
3. Participates in parent conferences and family/community engagement events as assigned.

Records & Licensure

1. Maintains accurate and organized student counseling records and documentation in compliance with SASI policy, FERPA, IDEA, and other applicable law.
2. Maintains NMPED licensure in good standing and meets all renewal and continuing professional development requirements.

General

1. Complies with, supports, and efficiently carries out all responsibilities in accordance with SASI policies and procedures.
2. Represents SASI in a professional manner that enhances community understanding of the program.
3. Maintains a high personal standard of professional and ethical conduct.
4. Interacts with staff, students, parents, and visitors in a welcoming and friendly manner.
5. Works as a team member with all SASI staff.
6. Protects the confidentiality of student and personnel information.
7. Reports suspected child abuse/neglect per BIE SCAN Protocols (Public Law 101-630).
8. Provides for own professional growth through reading, workshops, seminars, conferences, in-services, and actively participates in trainings as scheduled by the supervisor.
9. Participates in SASI-sponsored activities, some of which may require work in the evenings/nights.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

EVALUATION

Will be evaluated in accordance with the Governing School Board-approved Shiprock Associated Schools, Inc. policies and procedures.