Susquehanna Township School District Inc
(Anticipated) School Counselor 25-26 School Year
Susquehanna Township School District Inc, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, us, 17124
Position Type:
Student Support Services/Guidance Counselor
Date Posted: 9/29/2025
Location: Susquehanna Township Middle School
Date Available: 10/06/2025
Closing Date: 11/10/2025 Position Title:
School Counselor
Reports To:
Director/Assistant Director of Special Education and Student Services
Supervises:
None
Terms of Employment:
STEA CBA
Job Summary:
The school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent, and confident learners. Students are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups, and family.
Job Goal: In order to ensure the overall success of all students, school counselors need to: Collaborate with staff, parents, and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment for students Develop student understanding of career opportunities Develop social/emotional skills in response to issues students face Facilitate student and family access to community-based services and resources Facilitate student and family access to school-based services and resources Help students achieve academic success Implement a comprehensive school counseling program for students Provide education, prevention, early identification, and intervention services for students Qualifications:
Certification as a School Counselor in Pennsylvania. Master's Degree in School Counseling. Experience in an educational setting. Ability to effectively communicate with and work with students, staff, and parents. Knowledge of Special Education requirements. Other qualifications to the above that the School Board may find acceptable and appropriate. Essential Functions:
Assists students in acquiring knowledge and skills to plan and achieve career goals, e.g. exploring options, interest inventory, career center, career fairs, college/technical advisory, etc. Assists with scheduling, monitoring, and counseling services for alternative education programs. Attends student conferences/meetings as assigned and/or as needed. Demonstrates an understanding of counseling theory, best practice, techniques, and ethics. Demonstrates knowledge of child development and provides services that are differentiated and developmentally appropriate. demonstrates knowledge of state and federal regulations and of resources both within and beyond the school and district. Develops and implements comprehensive student assessment programs which is coordinated to overall student development. Establishes goals for the counseling program appropriate to the setting and the students served. Goals are measurable and data driven. Introduces students to a variety of college and/or career opportunities based on personal interest inventories and assessment results.? Participates in district planning and development committees such as strategic planning, curriculum development, and/or program evaluation. Plans and assists in planning and coordinating of counselling activities which may include organizing awards ceremonies and maintaining the counseling office website. Provides clear communication between the sending school and the receiving school for students who are new to the district. Provides support and/or case management for intervention team activities. Provides support, outreach, and resources to families of students having social and emotional challenges, e.g. divorce, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, etc. Provides teachers with helpful resources and updated information on various counselling topics - helping teachers infuse the counselling content into their in-class curriculum and speak the same language when discussing school wide initiatives. Responsive Services [ASCA direct service] Counseling - in individual or small group settings school counselors provide planned, short-term and goal-focused counseling. School counselors are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and assist students and families in seeking resources. Crisis response - provides support and assistance to students and families as they navigate crisis and emergency situations. School counseling core curriculum [ASCA direct service] Instruction - direct instruction, team teaching, developing learning activities Group Activities - planned activities outside the classroom promoting academic, career or social/emotional development Utilizes technology resources to increase the efficiency of program delivery. Assists students and parents in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data. Assists students in developing healthy and positive relationships with peers and adults. Assists with the enrollment of new students by reviewing and interpreting previous school records, contacting former schools if necessary, and developing a schedule. Meet students' academic and social needs through individual and facilitated group counseling. Promote a positive environment within the school and the community to include program delivery, school support activities, and staff support services. Promotes a culture throughout the school for productive and respectful communication between and among students and teachers. Provides classroom activities, group counseling, and individual sessions that promote equity and access to rigorous academic programs. Provides personal guidance and/or crisis-intervention counseling to students. Uses routines and procedures that have been established and function efficiently for the most part, with little loss of time. Works with students to develop coping skills to manage stress, anger, and pressure, to develop tolerance for diversity, and to resolve conflicts creatively and nonviolently. Assesses student needs and knows the range of student needs in the school. Consultation (ASCA indirect service) - share strategies supporting student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations. Consults and communicates with staff, families, and the community on issues concerning student needs in accordance to the District's Strategic Plan. Coordinates the district's cyber-school process for individual students including schedule changes. Counsels individuals and small groups of students toward social, emotional, and/or academic growth.? Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness to improve the counseling program making changes as needed in response to student, parent, and/or teacher input. Following the eligibility decision to design a 504 Plan and in collaboration with families and appropriate professional staff, works with a building principal to write and review the 504 Service Agreement and other written reports as needed or as requested or as required by Federal, State, and local agencies. Guides individuals and groups of students through the development of life skills. Works with students in acquiring knowledge about, and making effective use of, these skills when interacting in the home, academic, and peer environments.? Help students make the transition from school to school. Helps support student academic progress and provide appropriate intervention to achieve school success through appropriate intervention teams. Participates in the SAP (Student Assistance Program) and other team meetings to address students' academic and behavioral needs - stress student confidentiality. Provides prevention, intervention, and responsive services to groups and individuals. Refers students and their parents to special programs, specialists, and other outside agencies.? Uses a range of counseling techniques to help students acquire skills in decision making and problem solving for both interactions with other students and future planning. Works in collaboration with case managers to resolve students' educational needs, including supporting Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Gifted Individual Education Plans (GIEPs).? Acts as a leader, student advocate, collaborator for the student and counseling program and an agent of systematic change. Acts as a student advocate in all matters involving students. Assumes other duties consistent with school counselor role as may be assigned by the administration, but not to interfere with the performance of this role nor to be placed in a disciplinary role. Collaboration (ASCA indirect service) - works with other educators, parents and the community to support student achievement. Counselor's reports, records, and documentation are accurate and submitted in a timely manner. Displays high standards of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality in interactions with colleagues, students, and the public: advocates for students when needed. Individual Student Planning [ASCA direct service] Appraisal - assists students in evaluating interests, abilities, skills and achievement Advisement - assists students in goal setting based on academic, career and social/emotional data Maintains contact with parents via email, phone conversations, and personal meetings, in a timely manner. Maintains student records and upholds compliance with the Family?Educational?Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and related federal and state laws.? Maintains, secures, and disseminates student records in accordance with district, state and federal policy and regulation - protects the confidentiality of records. Participate actively in district events and projects maintaining a positive and productive relationship with colleagues. Provides clear communication between the sending school and the receiving school for students who are new to the district.? Provides leadership for the comprehensive counseling program content in a systematic way to all students. Provides resources for staff and families on issues relating to child development and other issues within the counselor's area of expertise. Referrals (ASCA indirect service) - support for students and families to school or community resources for additional assistance and information. Responds to parent correspondence in a timely manner.? Seeks out opportunities for professional development based on an individual assessment of need - meetings, professional development workshops, in-service programs, etc. All other duties assigned by the Superintendent of Schools and/or designee. Marginal Functions:
Individuals must possess these skills, knowledge, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing (appropriate grammar, pleasant voice, affable manner), with the administrative staff, professional staff, support staff, students, parents, and community. Ability to interpret detailed written and verbal communications. Ability to maintain and disseminate accurate student records, according to District guidelines. Ability to maintain confidential student reports, according to District guidelines. Ability to maintain positive staff relationships. Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize the tasks. Ability to present ideas logically in writing including good proofreading, spelling, and written grammar skills. Ability to problem-solve. Ability to provide current career development information to students and staff. Ability to respond/interact diplomatically in aggressive or threatening situations. Ability to respond/interact promptly and calmly in emergency situations. Ability to respond to phone calls, emails, and calendar invitations in a timely manner. Ability to stand and/or sit for long periods of time. Ability to work equally well independently as well as a member of a team. Ability to work in a frequently fast-paced, high-pressure situation. Ability to work independently in maintaining effective work patterns. Able to interact effectively with school environment. Maintains valid PA driver's license. May be required to stand and/or sit for long periods of time. Operates office machines, files materials in filing cabinets, and can lift and carry up to 25 pounds, and occasionally in excess of 50 pounds. Possesses and applies computer skills to the job and can engage in repetitive hand movements as required for using the computer. Works the hours inherent to the position.
Physical/Mental/Environmental Demands:
Qualified applicants will possess good oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, problem solving, and consultation and collaboration skills. Oral and written communication is required for sharing information with staff and parents. Computer processing and data entry are required for this position. Visual acuity and hearing are required for the delivery of assessment, intervention, and consultation services. Occasional lifting of materials and equipment of less than 25 pounds and assisting with students may be required. The ability to maintain emotional control under stress and work with multiple deadlines, a variety of people and personnel, and frequent interruptions is required.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
The Susquehanna Township School District is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Date Posted: 9/29/2025
Location: Susquehanna Township Middle School
Date Available: 10/06/2025
Closing Date: 11/10/2025 Position Title:
School Counselor
Reports To:
Director/Assistant Director of Special Education and Student Services
Supervises:
None
Terms of Employment:
STEA CBA
Job Summary:
The school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent, and confident learners. Students are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups, and family.
Job Goal: In order to ensure the overall success of all students, school counselors need to: Collaborate with staff, parents, and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment for students Develop student understanding of career opportunities Develop social/emotional skills in response to issues students face Facilitate student and family access to community-based services and resources Facilitate student and family access to school-based services and resources Help students achieve academic success Implement a comprehensive school counseling program for students Provide education, prevention, early identification, and intervention services for students Qualifications:
Certification as a School Counselor in Pennsylvania. Master's Degree in School Counseling. Experience in an educational setting. Ability to effectively communicate with and work with students, staff, and parents. Knowledge of Special Education requirements. Other qualifications to the above that the School Board may find acceptable and appropriate. Essential Functions:
Assists students in acquiring knowledge and skills to plan and achieve career goals, e.g. exploring options, interest inventory, career center, career fairs, college/technical advisory, etc. Assists with scheduling, monitoring, and counseling services for alternative education programs. Attends student conferences/meetings as assigned and/or as needed. Demonstrates an understanding of counseling theory, best practice, techniques, and ethics. Demonstrates knowledge of child development and provides services that are differentiated and developmentally appropriate. demonstrates knowledge of state and federal regulations and of resources both within and beyond the school and district. Develops and implements comprehensive student assessment programs which is coordinated to overall student development. Establishes goals for the counseling program appropriate to the setting and the students served. Goals are measurable and data driven. Introduces students to a variety of college and/or career opportunities based on personal interest inventories and assessment results.? Participates in district planning and development committees such as strategic planning, curriculum development, and/or program evaluation. Plans and assists in planning and coordinating of counselling activities which may include organizing awards ceremonies and maintaining the counseling office website. Provides clear communication between the sending school and the receiving school for students who are new to the district. Provides support and/or case management for intervention team activities. Provides support, outreach, and resources to families of students having social and emotional challenges, e.g. divorce, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, etc. Provides teachers with helpful resources and updated information on various counselling topics - helping teachers infuse the counselling content into their in-class curriculum and speak the same language when discussing school wide initiatives. Responsive Services [ASCA direct service] Counseling - in individual or small group settings school counselors provide planned, short-term and goal-focused counseling. School counselors are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and assist students and families in seeking resources. Crisis response - provides support and assistance to students and families as they navigate crisis and emergency situations. School counseling core curriculum [ASCA direct service] Instruction - direct instruction, team teaching, developing learning activities Group Activities - planned activities outside the classroom promoting academic, career or social/emotional development Utilizes technology resources to increase the efficiency of program delivery. Assists students and parents in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data. Assists students in developing healthy and positive relationships with peers and adults. Assists with the enrollment of new students by reviewing and interpreting previous school records, contacting former schools if necessary, and developing a schedule. Meet students' academic and social needs through individual and facilitated group counseling. Promote a positive environment within the school and the community to include program delivery, school support activities, and staff support services. Promotes a culture throughout the school for productive and respectful communication between and among students and teachers. Provides classroom activities, group counseling, and individual sessions that promote equity and access to rigorous academic programs. Provides personal guidance and/or crisis-intervention counseling to students. Uses routines and procedures that have been established and function efficiently for the most part, with little loss of time. Works with students to develop coping skills to manage stress, anger, and pressure, to develop tolerance for diversity, and to resolve conflicts creatively and nonviolently. Assesses student needs and knows the range of student needs in the school. Consultation (ASCA indirect service) - share strategies supporting student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations. Consults and communicates with staff, families, and the community on issues concerning student needs in accordance to the District's Strategic Plan. Coordinates the district's cyber-school process for individual students including schedule changes. Counsels individuals and small groups of students toward social, emotional, and/or academic growth.? Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness to improve the counseling program making changes as needed in response to student, parent, and/or teacher input. Following the eligibility decision to design a 504 Plan and in collaboration with families and appropriate professional staff, works with a building principal to write and review the 504 Service Agreement and other written reports as needed or as requested or as required by Federal, State, and local agencies. Guides individuals and groups of students through the development of life skills. Works with students in acquiring knowledge about, and making effective use of, these skills when interacting in the home, academic, and peer environments.? Help students make the transition from school to school. Helps support student academic progress and provide appropriate intervention to achieve school success through appropriate intervention teams. Participates in the SAP (Student Assistance Program) and other team meetings to address students' academic and behavioral needs - stress student confidentiality. Provides prevention, intervention, and responsive services to groups and individuals. Refers students and their parents to special programs, specialists, and other outside agencies.? Uses a range of counseling techniques to help students acquire skills in decision making and problem solving for both interactions with other students and future planning. Works in collaboration with case managers to resolve students' educational needs, including supporting Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Gifted Individual Education Plans (GIEPs).? Acts as a leader, student advocate, collaborator for the student and counseling program and an agent of systematic change. Acts as a student advocate in all matters involving students. Assumes other duties consistent with school counselor role as may be assigned by the administration, but not to interfere with the performance of this role nor to be placed in a disciplinary role. Collaboration (ASCA indirect service) - works with other educators, parents and the community to support student achievement. Counselor's reports, records, and documentation are accurate and submitted in a timely manner. Displays high standards of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality in interactions with colleagues, students, and the public: advocates for students when needed. Individual Student Planning [ASCA direct service] Appraisal - assists students in evaluating interests, abilities, skills and achievement Advisement - assists students in goal setting based on academic, career and social/emotional data Maintains contact with parents via email, phone conversations, and personal meetings, in a timely manner. Maintains student records and upholds compliance with the Family?Educational?Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and related federal and state laws.? Maintains, secures, and disseminates student records in accordance with district, state and federal policy and regulation - protects the confidentiality of records. Participate actively in district events and projects maintaining a positive and productive relationship with colleagues. Provides clear communication between the sending school and the receiving school for students who are new to the district.? Provides leadership for the comprehensive counseling program content in a systematic way to all students. Provides resources for staff and families on issues relating to child development and other issues within the counselor's area of expertise. Referrals (ASCA indirect service) - support for students and families to school or community resources for additional assistance and information. Responds to parent correspondence in a timely manner.? Seeks out opportunities for professional development based on an individual assessment of need - meetings, professional development workshops, in-service programs, etc. All other duties assigned by the Superintendent of Schools and/or designee. Marginal Functions:
Individuals must possess these skills, knowledge, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing (appropriate grammar, pleasant voice, affable manner), with the administrative staff, professional staff, support staff, students, parents, and community. Ability to interpret detailed written and verbal communications. Ability to maintain and disseminate accurate student records, according to District guidelines. Ability to maintain confidential student reports, according to District guidelines. Ability to maintain positive staff relationships. Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize the tasks. Ability to present ideas logically in writing including good proofreading, spelling, and written grammar skills. Ability to problem-solve. Ability to provide current career development information to students and staff. Ability to respond/interact diplomatically in aggressive or threatening situations. Ability to respond/interact promptly and calmly in emergency situations. Ability to respond to phone calls, emails, and calendar invitations in a timely manner. Ability to stand and/or sit for long periods of time. Ability to work equally well independently as well as a member of a team. Ability to work in a frequently fast-paced, high-pressure situation. Ability to work independently in maintaining effective work patterns. Able to interact effectively with school environment. Maintains valid PA driver's license. May be required to stand and/or sit for long periods of time. Operates office machines, files materials in filing cabinets, and can lift and carry up to 25 pounds, and occasionally in excess of 50 pounds. Possesses and applies computer skills to the job and can engage in repetitive hand movements as required for using the computer. Works the hours inherent to the position.
Physical/Mental/Environmental Demands:
Qualified applicants will possess good oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, problem solving, and consultation and collaboration skills. Oral and written communication is required for sharing information with staff and parents. Computer processing and data entry are required for this position. Visual acuity and hearing are required for the delivery of assessment, intervention, and consultation services. Occasional lifting of materials and equipment of less than 25 pounds and assisting with students may be required. The ability to maintain emotional control under stress and work with multiple deadlines, a variety of people and personnel, and frequent interruptions is required.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
The Susquehanna Township School District is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.