Reports To:

 The Director of Schools and school administrator

 Qualifications:

School counselors shall hold a school services personnel license with the school counselor endorsement. (Rules 0520-02-03-05)

 Candidates seeking a practitioner school services personnel licensure and endorsement as a school counselor shall meet the requirements of one (1) of the following pathways:

1. Pathway 1. The candidate:

(i) Holds an advanced degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university;

(ii) Has completed a State Board-approved educator preparation program in school counseling;

(iii) Is recommended by the approved educator preparation provider; and

(iv) Submits qualifying scores on all required assessments as defined in the Professional Assessments for Tennessee Educators Policy. 

2. Pathway 2. The candidate: 

(i) Holds an advanced degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university;

(ii) Has completed a State Board-approved educator preparation program in school counseling;

(iii) Is recommended by the approved educator preparation provider; and

(iv) Submits qualifying scores on all required assessments as defined in the Professional Assessments for Tennessee Educators Policy.

3. Pathway 3. The Candidate:

 (i) Holds an advanced degree in a counseling field;

(ii) Is enrolled in a State Board-approved educator preparation program in school counseling;

(iii) Has completed a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours of coursework in school counseling;

(iv) Is recommended by the approved educator preparation provider;

(v) Submits required supervision agreement between the LEA and approved educator preparation provider; and

(vi) Submits qualifying scores on all required assessments as defined in the Professional Assessments for Tennessee Educators Policy. 

4. Pathway 4.  The out-of-state candidate:

(i) Holds an advanced degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university;

(ii) Has completed an educator preparation program in school counseling approved by a state other than Tennessee as evidenced by a recommendation from the out-of-state educator preparation provider where the educator completed preparation; and

(iii) Submits qualifying scores on all required assessments as defined in the Professional Assessments for Tennessee Educators Policy.

5. Pathway 5.  The out-of-state candidate:

(i) Holds an advanced degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university; and

(ii) Holds a full and valid out-of-state initial level school counselor license from a state that is a partner in the NASDTEC interstate agreement.

(b) Out-of-state candidates seeking a professional school services personnel licensure and endorsement as a school counselor shall hold an advanced degree in school counseling and hold a full and valid out-of-state professional level educator license from a state that is a partner in the NASDTEC interstate agreement.

(c) School counselors who serve in a supervisory role shall have a professional school services personnel license with an endorsement in school counseling.

Purpose Statement:

The primary function of the school counselor is to provide a comprehensive competency-based counseling program focused on the learning, personal/social and career/vocational needs of all students.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Adhere to and support board policy, school guidelines, administrative rules and directives. Make him/herself available to all students seeking guidance and counseling services. Advocate on behalf of the student and/or his/her family.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students.
• Facilitate outreach efforts to provide services to students, parents/guardians, and staff. Connect students, parents/guardians, and staff with specialized referral agencies. Understand, evaluate, and interpret academic performance data.
• Interpret information about students to the student, their parents/guardians, and staff. Implement individual and group counseling methods that are appropriate.
• Conduct career and educational planning activities.
• Participate in in-service activities promoted by the district. Submit required reports promptly and accurately.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Building Principal or District Administrator.

Capacity and Ability Requirements:

The usual job demands requires the following physical requirements: some lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, some stooping, kneeling, and physical dexterity.

Terms of Employment:

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District.

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.