Sweetwater County School District #1
School Counselor
Sweetwater County School District #1, Rock Springs, Wyoming, United States, 82926
Position Type:
Certified Staff/Guidance Counselor
Date Posted: 4/29/2025
Location: Eastside Elementary
Date Available: August 2025
Closing Date: When Filled
Nature and Scope of Job
The school counselor is a certified, professional educator who works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community stakeholders to implement a comprehensive school counseling program. The school counseling program fosters academic achievement, career and college readiness, and social-emotional development, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and resilience to succeed in life and contribute to a global society. 1. Define
The school counselor supports equitable access to education, focusing on three core domains: - Academic Development - Ensuring students receive the guidance needed to excel in learning. - Career Development - Preparing students for post-secondary success in a rapidly evolving workforce. - Social/Emotional Development - Fostering resilience, innovation, and compassionate decision-making.
Counseling services include direct instruction, individual and group counseling, academic and career advice, crisis response, and collaboration with external agencies when appropriate. 2. Manage
The counselor utilizes data-informed practices to organize and assess program effectiveness. Responsibilities include: - Collaborating with administration to complete the Annual Agreement, aligning goals with school's mission. - Using time-tracking tools to ensure at least 80% of the counselor's time is spent on direct and indirect services to students. - Leading or participating in the School Counseling Advisory Council to evaluate and improve services based on student needs. - Using data to support equitable academic outcomes and remove barriers to success. 3. Deliver
Direct Student Services - Academic Advising: Develop academic plans, conduct graduation checks, assist with course selections, and support academic interventions. - College and Career Readiness: Provide guidance on post-secondary planning, including college admissions, scholarships, military, and career training. - Social/Emotional Support: Offer individual and group counseling for students dealing with personal challenges, crisis situations, and social-emotional development. - Group Counseling: Facilitate peer support, stress management, and at-risk student intervention groups.
Indirect Student Services - Collaboration and Consultation: Work with teachers, administrators, and families to support student success. - Community Referrals: Connect students with local agencies for mental health, crisis intervention, and additional support services. - For High School Counselors: Program Coordination: Oversee services such as concurrent enrollment (WWCC), ACT/SAT/PSAT/ASVAB testing, and college/career fairs.
4. Assess - Collect and analyze data on academic performance, attendance, behavior, and program participation. - Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust services to support student success. - Lead or support program evaluations, including graduate follow-up studies to improve postsecondary readiness. - Use data to advocate for equity and access for all students, ensuring alignment with school's mission of lifelong success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct new student orientation and transition programs. - Develop and monitor individualized student assistance plans for those at risk of not graduating. - Provide interventions related to mental health, trauma, substance abuse, and personal development. - Coordinate and oversee standardized testing programs and interpret results for students and families. - Deliver classroom lessons aligned with the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success. - Assist with scheduling, academic interventions, and student advocacy. - Organize financial aid nights, college visits, and parent information sessions. - Maintain accurate student records and documentation of counseling services. - Implement crisis response procedures and contribute to school-wide safety planning. - Support special populations, including students with 504 plans, and diverse learning needs. Job Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Expertise in academic counseling, career guidance, and social-emotional support. - Familiarity with Special Education law, FERPA, and ethical practices in school counseling. - Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills. - Ability to analyze and use student data to drive programming and decision-making. - Proficiency in digital tools for student information management, scheduling, and career planning. Education and Certification
- Degree in School Counseling from an accredited program. - Valid Wyoming School Counselor certification. - Preferred: Experience working with students in an educational setting. Technology Proficiency
- Student Information Systems (e.g., PowerSchool) - Digital counseling tools (e.g., Google Suite) - Virtual learning environments (e.g., Canvas) - Data analytics for tracking student success and intervention effectiveness Physical and Environmental Demands
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Work inside a school environment, with potential exposure to outdoor elements for events and student support.
- Tolerant of noise, crowds, and high-stress situations.
Date Posted: 4/29/2025
Location: Eastside Elementary
Date Available: August 2025
Closing Date: When Filled
Nature and Scope of Job
The school counselor is a certified, professional educator who works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community stakeholders to implement a comprehensive school counseling program. The school counseling program fosters academic achievement, career and college readiness, and social-emotional development, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and resilience to succeed in life and contribute to a global society. 1. Define
The school counselor supports equitable access to education, focusing on three core domains: - Academic Development - Ensuring students receive the guidance needed to excel in learning. - Career Development - Preparing students for post-secondary success in a rapidly evolving workforce. - Social/Emotional Development - Fostering resilience, innovation, and compassionate decision-making.
Counseling services include direct instruction, individual and group counseling, academic and career advice, crisis response, and collaboration with external agencies when appropriate. 2. Manage
The counselor utilizes data-informed practices to organize and assess program effectiveness. Responsibilities include: - Collaborating with administration to complete the Annual Agreement, aligning goals with school's mission. - Using time-tracking tools to ensure at least 80% of the counselor's time is spent on direct and indirect services to students. - Leading or participating in the School Counseling Advisory Council to evaluate and improve services based on student needs. - Using data to support equitable academic outcomes and remove barriers to success. 3. Deliver
Direct Student Services - Academic Advising: Develop academic plans, conduct graduation checks, assist with course selections, and support academic interventions. - College and Career Readiness: Provide guidance on post-secondary planning, including college admissions, scholarships, military, and career training. - Social/Emotional Support: Offer individual and group counseling for students dealing with personal challenges, crisis situations, and social-emotional development. - Group Counseling: Facilitate peer support, stress management, and at-risk student intervention groups.
Indirect Student Services - Collaboration and Consultation: Work with teachers, administrators, and families to support student success. - Community Referrals: Connect students with local agencies for mental health, crisis intervention, and additional support services. - For High School Counselors: Program Coordination: Oversee services such as concurrent enrollment (WWCC), ACT/SAT/PSAT/ASVAB testing, and college/career fairs.
4. Assess - Collect and analyze data on academic performance, attendance, behavior, and program participation. - Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust services to support student success. - Lead or support program evaluations, including graduate follow-up studies to improve postsecondary readiness. - Use data to advocate for equity and access for all students, ensuring alignment with school's mission of lifelong success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct new student orientation and transition programs. - Develop and monitor individualized student assistance plans for those at risk of not graduating. - Provide interventions related to mental health, trauma, substance abuse, and personal development. - Coordinate and oversee standardized testing programs and interpret results for students and families. - Deliver classroom lessons aligned with the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success. - Assist with scheduling, academic interventions, and student advocacy. - Organize financial aid nights, college visits, and parent information sessions. - Maintain accurate student records and documentation of counseling services. - Implement crisis response procedures and contribute to school-wide safety planning. - Support special populations, including students with 504 plans, and diverse learning needs. Job Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Expertise in academic counseling, career guidance, and social-emotional support. - Familiarity with Special Education law, FERPA, and ethical practices in school counseling. - Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills. - Ability to analyze and use student data to drive programming and decision-making. - Proficiency in digital tools for student information management, scheduling, and career planning. Education and Certification
- Degree in School Counseling from an accredited program. - Valid Wyoming School Counselor certification. - Preferred: Experience working with students in an educational setting. Technology Proficiency
- Student Information Systems (e.g., PowerSchool) - Digital counseling tools (e.g., Google Suite) - Virtual learning environments (e.g., Canvas) - Data analytics for tracking student success and intervention effectiveness Physical and Environmental Demands
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Work inside a school environment, with potential exposure to outdoor elements for events and student support.
- Tolerant of noise, crowds, and high-stress situations.