] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST, K-12 SCHOOL COUNSELOR

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Instructional Specialist, K-12 School Counselor

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Instructional Spec CODE: 0833 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Instructional Specialist, K-12 School Counselor GRADE: BD MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the direction of the supervisor, facilitates, supports and monitors the implementation of the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) School Counseling Program; assists in the identification and development of school counseling programs and resources at the system and local school levels; coordinates and provides professional development to school counselors and college/career information coordinators; promotes the MCPS strategic plan and possesses the ability to articulate how school counseling program supports the goals and objectives of the department, office, and system strategic plan ;and, serves as a liaison to community organizations and other MCPS offices, departments and units.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of MCPS policies and regulations and strategic plan; knowledge of MSDE requirements related to school counseling programs and services; a detailed knowledge of the MCPS school counseling program for elementary, middle and high schools, as well as a broad based knowledge of a wide array of student issues (e.g. attendance, residency, graduation, Section 504, dropout prevention, positive behavior supports, special education). Knowledge of national counseling standards. Detailed knowledge of college and career readiness planning and scholarship opportunities, particularly for minority students. Outstanding facilitation, organizational technological and management skills. Ability to exercise independent initiative to complete assignments. Excellent oral and written communication skills; positive human relations skills; strong problem solving skills; and knowledge of county agencies and community organizations. Ability to plan and implement workshops and professional develop for small and large groups. Skills to serve as an effective mentor to new counselors. This position requires the knowledge and application of the six performance standards that have been established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Masters degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in school counseling, human growth and development, or educational program and policy development. Five years experience as a school counselor, experience at both elementary and secondary levels preferred; demonstrated leadership in assessing student needs and planning, developing and implementing programs; evaluating program effectiveness; and planning and conducting professional development. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland state certification requirements for school counselor and certification requirements for administration/supervision desirable. Completion of OAT I or II, or completion within one-year of the position start date.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.)
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Some evening and weekend meetings.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assesses needs for school counseling services which will enable all students will have access and opportunity to complete a rigorous instructional program to achieve to their fullest potential in the educational program

Collects, monitors, and analyzes data in an effort to increase the academic achievement of all students, particularly African American and Hispanic students.

Promotes MCPS School counseling regulation, goals and objectives, and program for each educational level, along with models for the delivery of services.

Assists in the designs and development of counseling programs and provides feedback to existing programs to assure high quality school counseling services at all levels.

Plans for and coordinates the school counseling program with other MCPS programs and services.

Supports the principal in the observation and professional develop of school counselors, as requested by the principal.

Plans, develops, and coordinates credit and noncredit courses and workshops for counselors and other MCPS staff to support school counseling program implementation.

Plans for and manages allocation of resources to the school counseling program.

Reviews the school counseling program regularly and plans for and carries out improvements.

Motivates and supports counselors in providing the highest quality of school counseling services.

Conducts school site visits, and shares information with school principals and the supervisor as appropriate.

Disseminates information and provides training for school personnel regarding trends in college placements, technology education, and post-secondary opportunities.

Develops reports and other communications to provide information, data, and data analysis related to both the effectiveness of the school counseling program and its impact on student performance.

Assists and supports the continued implementation of partnerships to promote career readiness, college admissions and scholarship opportunities for all students, with a focus on minority students.

Serves on MCPS, county, and state committees and workgroups, as assigned.

Serves as the Office of Student and Family Supports and Engagement (OSFSE) liaison for College and Career Readiness support programs such as Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES), College Tracks, Collegiate Directions, etc.

Assists counselors in their efforts to address school system priorities relative to student achievement.

Coordinates conferences, meetings and other professional development opportunities for counselors and college/career information coordinators.

Assists counselors with the development of their school counseling program studies and provides feedback on those program studies once completed.

Coordinates special initiatives in areas such as early college awareness, college admissions, and college financial aid and scholarships.

Serves as an informational liaison relative to school counseling services and related student issues (e.g. career exploration, academic planning, college admissions, social/emotional development) to other central office departments and offices.

Assists in updating and reviewing the MCPS Career and College Information and School Counseling Services Unit websites.24.Assists with crisis support at schools as needed.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Class Established: 1990
Date(s) Revised: 2/2009, 6/2017
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.