Job Description

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K–12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.

REPORTS TO: School Principal and Supervisor of Guidance and Counseling

WHO WE WANT:

Successful SCSD educators are passionately committed to urban education and all in for Syracuse students. They:

• Believe strongly that all students can learn at high levels;
• Demonstrate commitment to serving urban students, schools or communities, and to closing the achievement gap;
• Demonstrate willingness to put the interests of students above all others;
• Actively contribute to a culture of high expectations in their school and district;
• Adapt seamlessly to the complexities of the urban school environment; and
• Follow current trends in education policy and research, including Common Core standards, comprehensive assessment systems and data-driven instruction.

School counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today's diverse student population. School counselors do not work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve success in school. School counselors align with the school's mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school counseling program. The ASCA National Standards in the academic, career, and personal/social domains are the foundation of their work.

PURPOSE: To help all students develop skills in the areas of personal/social growth, educational planning, and college and career opportunities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The School Counselor will be expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:

School/District Guidance Curriculum

• The school counselor establishes the school counseling program and develops activities and resources to implement and evaluate the program.
• Academic skills support
• Organizational, study and test-taking skills
• Education in understanding self and others
• Coping strategies
• Peer relationships and effective social skills
• Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution
• Career awareness, exploration and planning
• Substance abuse education
• Multicultural/diversity awareness

Individual Student Planning

• Goal-setting/decision-making: The school counselor accurately interprets test results and other student data. The counselor also assists teachers with the educational placement of students by using appropriate educational assessment strategies.
• Academic planning.
• Develop, review, and revise a career and educational plan for each student.
• Monitor and advise students and parents as to progress toward promotion and graduation.
• Prepare students for transition to next level (middle to high school, high school to post high school).
• Postsecondary planning.
• Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses.
• Transition planning.

Responsive Services

• Individual and small group counseling:
• The school counselor provides individual and group counseling services to meet the developmental, preventive, and remedial needs of students
• The school counselor consults with students, parents, teachers, and other school and community personnel to assist in meeting the needs of students.
• Make appropriate referrals of students and parents to outside agencies and specialists when necessary.
• Individual/family/school crisis intervention
• Peer facilitation
• Consultation/collaboration:
• Referrals to community agencies:

System Support

• Professional Practices and Development: The school counselor adheres to ethical standards of the counseling profession, and abides by the laws, policies, and procedures that govern the schools. The counselor also participates in professional associations and upgrades professional knowledge and skills when needed.
• Consultation, collaboration, and teaming: The school counselor coordinates all counseling services for students and assists with the coordination and implementation of student services in the school.
• Cooperate and collaborate with other professionals in enhancing the education of students.
• Communicate with administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and students as to the role of the school counselor in the overall educational process
• Program management and operation: Make self-visible in school by participating in a variety of activities that contribute to the school’s effectiveness
• Participate in school decision making and in activities which contribute to the effectiveness of the school
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• New York State teacher certification (or eligibility by start date); out-of-state licensed teachers may qualify through reciprocity.

• Strong record of reliability and professionalism.

• Proven ability to accelerate student learning and use data to inform instruction.

• Demonstrated skill in creating an inclusive, well-managed classroom environment.

• Commitment to culturally responsive teaching and continuous professional growth.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, families, and community partners.

• Strong communication skills and adaptability to meet diverse student needs.

• Strong record of reliability and professionalism.

• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a fingerprint-based background check (per NYS requirements).

• City residents are encouraged to apply!
  
  

SALARY/SALARY RANGE

• Compensation is based on qualifications and experience in accordance with the Unit 1 contractual agreement and ranges from $59,499-$102,037 for the 2026-2027 school year.
  *Any non-certified long-term substitute will be paid $53,000.
• Teachers may also have the opportunity to participate in our Summer School Programs, which are compensated at an hourly rate of $45.00.
• Teachers of color or those with experience and a deep background in Urban Education may qualify for the District's Urban Fellowship Program.