Job Description
St Ambrose Catholic School
Job Description
Job Title: School Counselor Exemption Status: Exempt
Department/Location: St. Ambrose Catholic School / Tucson, AZ
Primary Function: Under the direction of the School Principal is responsible for providing supporting counseling for students, both individually and within a group setting. The counselor shall be a minister of the Gospel and Catholic Teaching both academically and behaviorally while at work and in his/her personal life, "Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received." (Eph. 4:1)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this Ministerial Position:
- Recognize and support the unique Catholic Mission of the School by speaking, acting, counseling, and instructing consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The counselor may not espouse, in word or deed, any doctrine inconsistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Give evidence of living Gospel values by being an active member of a faith community and being open to the importance of a personal faith journey; strive to model the teaching of Jesus by attitude and example.
- Help build the Schools faith community by a demonstrated willingness to participate in, and help plan, School religious and service activities.
- Lead and participate in classroom prayer daily.
- Sets an example for students by personal adherence to Catholic Doctrine and Catholic principles of morality
- Identify and develop creative intervention methods and procedures to adapt effectively to unusual situations; participate in coordination, monitoring and reporting student interventions
- Serve as a resource specialist for teachers and parents regarding counseling needs; work cooperatively with parents to generate confidence in the teacher and school
- Work with students, parents, and staff in a compassionate and productive manner
- Assist teachers in effective planning, organizing, and implementation of strategies for optimum behavior management
- Serve as liaison to school staff and outside resources; maintain consistency and continuity in the schools response procedures
- Provide guidance for teachers in working with student behavior and classroom management; Implement an effective referral and follow-up process
- Demonstrate exceptional counseling techniques with appropriate documentation and student tracking
- Provide appropriate information to staff related to the comprehensive school counseling program
- Establish a consistent disciplinary approach which promotes self-direction and positive self-image; set high standards for student behavior and manage inappropriate behavior effectively.
- Cooperate with School and Diocesan administration; work effectively with all staff members to promote positive relationships with students and parents. Specific attention will be given toward prompt attendance at scheduled faculty trainings and meetings.
- At all times demonstrate professional responsibility in enforcing School policies and regulations.
- Maintain confidentiality of information; display sound judgment in dress and general behavior. Specifically, the Counselor will follow School dress code standards.
- Abide by rules and directives received from the principal; perform other, specific duties as assigned.
- Assist teachers, parents/guardians and other responsible parties in interpreting and understanding student data
- Monitor and supervise student activities as appropriate.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Physical/Mental Requirements: Requires coordination and manual dexterity, normal mental and visual ability; ability to lift as required in a normal office environment.
Required Activities: Walking, sitting standing, stooping, reaching, talking, handling, hearing, and carrying
Basic Qualifications:
- A working knowledge of and a strong commitment to the mission of fostering lay leadership in the Catholic Church. If a baptized Catholic, must be a practicing Roman Catholic in full communion with the Church
- Excellent communications skills including written, verbal, public speaking, and presentation skills
- Excellent human relations and interpersonal skills; must be a self-starter and be well-organized; must be a team player
- Be available for evening and weekend work as necessary; have reliable transportation
- Be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Proficiency in the use of computer technology including word processing and the use of excel and related technology; ability to maintain confidentiality
- Flexibility in assessing needs and strategies and adapt appropriately in a ministerial environment
- The ability to successfully complete a criminal history and background check
- Professional bearing and clean and neat personal appearance
Education and Experience
- A Masters Degree in school counseling from an accredited institution
- Licensed by the State or certified by an independent professional regulatory authority
- Documented competence in counseling children and adolescents in a school setting
Other:
- Certified teacher certificate preferred
- Bilingual preferred (English-Spanish); ability to read and write proficiently
Covenants of Employment:
St. Ambrose Catholic School is a Roman Catholic religious organization and that all employees are expected to respect and conduct themselves in accordance with the values, teachings and morals of the Roman Catholic Church and by Arizona state law. Under the "Zero Tolerance Policy", no one will be knowingly assigned or retained to serve St. Ambrose Catholic School when that person is determined to have engaged in the abuse of a minor or to have violated boundaries in dealing with minors.
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