EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Effectively performs the duties and responsibilities of a secondary counselor as defined in the Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program.
a. Provides responsive counseling services to students
b. Meets with students for individual planning
c. Participates in group guidance activities

2. Provides leadership in the development and implementation of objectives and operational plans for the guidance program in accordance with MCPS Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program.
a. Establishes a yearly calendar with the department members to accomplish program goals within a specific timeline
b. Facilitates an equitable counselor assignment
c. Attends countywide resource counselor meetings
d. Leads regular department meetings to keep counselors up-to-date on policy, regulations, and new procedures

3. Assists students/staff in becoming knowledgeable about learning patterns, identifying and developing student potential and planning educational experiences
a. Disseminates information to students and staff regarding programs, scheduling orientations, etc. b. Assures student/staff awareness of the counselor's role and function
c. Provides information regarding financial aid, scholarships, careers and colleges to students

4. Organizes/coordinates assessments of school and student needs and the implementation of group and individual counseling services related to the assessment results
a. Assists students in making post-high school plans by encouraging the use of the career center
b. Encourages college visitations and attendance at military, career information and college/job fairs
c. Promotes the concept of guidance as a total school responsibility involving the close cooperation of all staff members

5. Serves as a consultant to the principal presenting the guidance point of view on matters such as scheduling and articulation/instructional programming
a. Serves as a liaison with cluster, county and state personnel
b. Coordinates the implementation of guidance-related surveys/reports
c. Serves as advisor to the Guidance Advisory Committee
d. Participates in staff meetings
e. Supports in-service activities for guidance counselors

6. Participates in interviewing, selecting and evaluating guidance staff
a. Conducts evaluations of the guidance secretary, registrar, career information coordinator and other assigned personnel in accordance with all MCPS regulations
b. At the principal's discretion, may serve as a second observer in the evaluation of counselors in accordance with MCPS regulations
c. Participates in interviews and other aspects of the staff selection process

7. Supervises the guidance secretary, registrar, career information coordinator and other assigned personnel and facilitates counselor participation in professional growth and development activities
a. Facilitates communications by conducting regular department meetings and arranging counselor/administrator meetings
b. Conducts observations and follow-up conferences
c. Helps to establish and implement uniform department procedures in areas such as enrollment, withdrawal and referral
d. Promotes the concept of team effort to implement guidance services
e. Participates in a variety of national, state and local meetings/workshops for professional development

8. Serves as account manager for all guidance funds.
a. Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of all receipts and expenditures of the guidance department b. Assists in budget preparation by making recommendations related to the needs of the guidance department

9. Serves as liaison with local parent and community groups
a. Coordinates the communication of guidance information to parents and to the community
b. Promotes the concept of parent/community involvement within the school
c. Coordinates and updates information about community resources