GUIDANCE COUNSELOR I

DEFINITION

This is entry-level professional education counseling and guidance work with students in state facilities.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Collects, organizes, and interprets information appropriate to understanding the student's academic and vocational abilities, aptitudes, interests, and other personal assets and liabilities as they relate to providing a program of individualized education.

Administers, scores, and interprets individual intelligence and vocational tests.

Confers with staff regarding placement of student's in educational/vocational programs, and adaptation of educational programs to fit the student's needs, abilities, and conditions.

Assists teachers in setting up and evaluating individualized educational and career awareness programs.

Provides individual counseling for students to assist them with developing a better understanding of their educational and personal needs.

Confers with parents and/or guardians to discuss the educational program required for students after release from the facility.

Assists students through the assessment process, development of career awareness, vocational preparation opportunities, and programming.

Provides services to encourage and assist students participating in educational or vocational programs, making educational transitions such as placement at the next educational level, and preparing for release to regular school or vocational training centers.

Assists teachers and other professional personnel working with students in order to understand the inter-relation of the educational process with other types of treatment activities.

Receives general supervision; work is reviewed for adherence to policy and achievement of program goals.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of educational, occupational, and personal counseling, guidance, and assessment.

Comprehensive knowledge of individual differences and the dynamics of human behavior.

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of educational and psychological testing.

Intermediate knowledge of modern practices, techniques, and methods of teaching, including those appropriate to remedial education.

Intermediate knowledge of labor market trends and employment opportunities.

Intermediate knowledge of the skills, abilities, training, and personal qualifications required for a variety of occupations.

Intermediate knowledge of education and training programs, financial aid opportunities, and other systems for successful transition.

Intermediate knowledge of vocational and career development theory.

Ability to apply modern methods, principles, and practices of education to students of elementary or secondary grades in facility schools.

Ability to contribute to positive improvement, and development of socially maladjusted children, adolescents, or adults.

Ability to interpret educational methods, procedures, and results to medical and other personnel.

Ability to apply counseling techniques effectively as a tool of education, and as a method of contributing to the total therapeutic or rehabilitation process.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

A Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, School Counseling, or School Psychology from an accredited college or university; and,

Possession of, or proof of ability to secure, a certificate in elementary or secondary school counseling or as a school psychological examiner from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

(Revised 6/1/08)