Job Description

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK
The high school Director of Counseling Services is a multi-faceted leadership position which requires expertise in a variety
of areas: counseling, special education, curriculum and instruction, child development, student academic and social
adjustment, testing, scheduling, school law, student record maintenance, and special services and programs. The Director
of Counseling Services must demonstrate school leadership with a focus on the development of the whole child, possess a
vision for high school students, and serve as both leader and mentor to the high-school staff. The Director, as required,
may perform administrative tasks outside the guidance/counseling field at the request and direction of the Principal.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK (May not include all duties performed – These are intended as an illustration of
the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is
similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Works under the general supervision of the school principal, and exercises independent professional judgment in
  organizing and directing the counseling program.
• Coordinates the planning of counseling activities and designates responsibilities to counselors.
• Promotes an effective and efficient instructional environment at the high school level by giving and receiving information and assistance, resolving conflicts, determining student placement, and participating in cooperative and
  collaborative efforts.
• Participates in the development of school rules, policies, and programs relating to student conduct, student
  attendance, staff development, student records, etc., as part of the school's administrative team.
• Coordinates the development of the master schedule and manages the complex master scheduling process.
• Directs the registration and orientation of new students including students moving from high schools to colleges.
• Arranges services for students with special needs and coordinate the 504 programs.
• Coordinates school programs as well as programs offered through county and community agencies.
• Plans, coordinates, and assists in evaluation of at-risk students.
• Develops and coordinates school crisis intervention team.
• Assists in development and administration of the Counseling Department’s budget.
• Coordinates Counseling Department’s calendar with school district, community and Virginia calendars.
• Supervises and participates in non-academic activities such as social affairs, publications, student clubs, and
  student award ceremonies.
• Completes year-end reports and provides input to reports required by other staff members.
• Attends and participates in school, district, Virginia, and national meetings, workshops and conferences related to
  education and/or counseling and keeps current with trends, methods, and techniques.
• Plans, coordinates and supervises a program of counseling services involving a wide variety of student needs,
  including registration, adjustment to school life, maintenance of satisfactory scholastic performance, and placement.
• Supervises and evaluates a staff of professional counselors, the registrar, clerical staff, paraprofessionals, and
  other student services staff as assigned.
• Coordinates and develops professional development programs for staff and parents (e.g., substance abuse, child
  abuse, legal and ethical standards, and managing students in crisis).
• Manages and supervises college/career preparation programs and transition programs within the school.
• Coordinates standardized testing and final exam procedures.
  
  REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
• Experience working with students, families and staff from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Thorough knowledge of guidance and counseling techniques, programs, and practices and an ability to apply them
  to the needs of high school students.
• Knowledge of master schedule building.
• Thorough knowledge of special education law, requirements, procedures, and processes.
• Ability to administer the school-based guidance and counseling services required for the assigned school.
• Ability to gain and retain the confidence and cooperation of students, professional staff, parents, and support staff.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to meet required deadlines, balance the demands of competing responsibilities, tailor and deliver programs
  that meet the demands of divergent groups.
• Knowledge, interpretation, and implementation of local, state, and federal regulations related to public education,
  graduation requirements, transferring and awarding credit, standardized testing and mental health issues

QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold or be eligible for an endorsement in School Counselor PreK-12 on a license issued by the Virginia State Board of Education.
• Bilingual skills preferred but not required

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Hold or be eligible for the Administration and Supervision PreK-12 endorsement on a license issued by the Virginia
  State Board of Education.
• Master's degree from an approved counselor education program from a regionally accredited college or university.
  Administrative and/or supervisory experience preferred.
• Five years of successful experience as a classroom teacher or student services specialist; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that would provide the above noted knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Five years of successful experience as a school counselor; bilingual preferred or any equivalent combination of
  training and experience that would provide the above noted knowledge, skills, and abilities.

  Salary will be based on the FY 2026-27 salary schedule: $123,429 - $216,433

Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in Policy G 2.30, Employee Relations – Equal Employment Opportunity - that “Employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability.”