Botetourt County Public Schools

Job Descriptions

www.bcps.k12.va.us

 

Job Class: School Counselor  10/200   10/210  11/220

Group:  Certificated

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Grade: 200,210,220

Salary Range:  $46,177 - $75,343

 

 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Under the direction of the building principal plans and provides for appropriate services for

students. Provide an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social

and emotional development of all students. Monitor and evaluate student outcomes.

Communicate and interact with students, parents, staff and community. Develop, select and

modify guidance lessons and materials to meet the needs of all students. Monitor appropriate use

and care of equipment, materials and facilities.

 

ESSENTIAL TASKS: 

(These are intended only as illustrations 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.)

 

• Provide services to students in the areas of academic, personal/social and career development.
• Counsel students individually and in small groups.
• Conduct classroom guidance activities.
• Expose students to career exploration and interest inventories.
• Review school data frequently to ensure that the school counseling program is meeting the academic, career and personal/social development of all students.
• Prepare reports, records, lists and all other required information and data.
• Encourage teacher/parent communication and community involvement.
• Assist students in conflict resolution.
• Participate as a member of the school crisis team.
• Refer students to intervention/remediation programs; as well as, academic and alternative programs to ensure academic success and personal well-being.
• Interpret student records.
• Refer students to appropriate school personnel and community agencies.
• Participate in Child Study and 504 meetings.
• Participate in parent/teacher conferences.
• Serve as a resource for school personnel and parents.
• Maintain a variety of files/records and departmental library of supplementary and reference materials.
• Follow required procedures and practices.
• Submit monthly time and task reports electronically.
• Attend division-wide school counselor meetings.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Assist with various testing.
• Perform related work as required.

 

Elementary School Only

• Develop and maintain an effective school counseling program consistent with the school’s mission and goals as mandated by school board policy. 
• Assist the building principal in developing and maintaining an effective social-emotional program.
• Explain and interpret division-wide policies, goals and objectives to students, parents, and the community that impact students' academic achievement and the school counseling program.
• Plan, organize and direct implementation of all school counseling activities.
• Assist in the individual academic program planning of 5th grade students.
• Provide professional development for instructional staff.
• Create school counseling calendar.

 

Middle School Only

• Serve all students, but is specifically responsible for students in counselor caseload.
• Conduct individual student academic program planning.
• Assist rising 7th graders with their Academic Career Plan.
• Prepare and inform students for testing.
• Inform students about the importance of extracurricular activities.
• Participate in departmental school counseling activities.
• Participate in counselor-related school/division activities.

 

High School Only

• Serve all students, but is specifically responsible for students in counselor caseload.
• Conduct individual academic program planning and updating the Academic Career Plan.
• Prepare students for graduation including, but not limited to: scheduling, verification of units/credits, verified credits, diploma plans and diploma seals.
• Inform students of all post-secondary options.
• Promote and support students in the scholarship application process.
• Promote financial aid services and scholarships.
• Assist students with the college application process (transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, resume, college fair, etc.).
• Assist students with post-secondary vocational and employment opportunities.
• Assist students with developing their career pathway and selecting the appropriate courses that support a successful education plan for the desired pathway.
• Prepare and inform students for standardized testing (PSAT, SAT, ACT).
• Inform students about the importance of extracurricular activities.
• Participate in departmental school counseling activities.
• Participate in counselor related school/division activities (graduation, College Night, etc.).

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

Knowledge of counseling theories and skills, group dynamics, and small group processes;

extensive knowledge of K-12 child and multicultural development; demonstrates working

knowledge of the ASCA Model; knowledge of K-12 instructional programs; knowledge of

Virginia Standards of Learning; working knowledge of the juvenile justice system and laws that

apply to juveniles; thorough knowledge of local, state and federal standards; demonstrates

considerable knowledge of FERPA, IDEA, McKinney-Vento Act, ESL and laws concerning

student rights and confidentiality, as well as, other state and federal mandates; working

knowledge of student database systems; thorough knowledge of standardized testing and

procedures and interpretation of scores; working knowledge of gifted and special education

programs; knowledge of promotion and retention requirements; excellent oral and written

communication and human relations skills; ability to work with administrators, colleagues,

central office and school based staff, students, parents and community.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Master’s Degree from an approved school counselor education program; or endorsement in

school counseling with Virginia certification in school counseling.

 

A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Some standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing, and pulling.

 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

 

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Possession of a valid driver’s license

 Last Update: October 2025