7-12 Counselor

Westwood Community School District is seeking qualified candidates for the following position for the 2026–2027 school year: Secondary Guidance Counselor Basic Function: To provide, as a member of the counseling department staff, a comprehensive counseling program for students in grades nine through twelve and specifically provide services to meet the needs of assigned students; consult with teachers, staff and parents to enhance effectiveness in helping students; and to provide support to other high school educational programs. Essential Functions:

• Aid students in course and subject selection.
• Obtain and disseminate occupational information to students and to classes studying occupations.
• Assist students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and work with students in evolving education and occupation plans in terms of such evaluation.
• Work to discover and develop special abilities of students.
• Work to resolve students’ educational handicaps.
• Register students new to the school and orient them to school procedures and the school’s varied opportunities for learning.
• Work to prevent students from dropping out of school.
• Help students evaluate career interests and choices.
• Remain readily available to students so as to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Work with students on an individual basis in the solution of personal problems related to such problems as home and family relations, health, and emotional adjustment.
• Plan guidance field trips to schools, colleges, and industry for interested students.
• Guide students in their participation in school and community activities.
• Maintain student records and protect their confidentiality.
• Supervise the preparation and processing of college, scholarship, and employment applications.
• Make recommendations to colleges for admissions and scholarships.
• Provide student information to colleges and potential employers according to provisions of the Board’s policy on student records.
• Confer with parents whenever necessary.
• Assist in the orientation of new faculty members.
• Provide in-service training in guidance for teachers and student teachers.
• Work with teachers and other staff members to familiarize them with the general range of services offered by the student personnel services department, and to improve the educational prospects of individual students being counseled.
• Advise administrators and faculty on the matters of student discipline.
• Take an active role in interpreting the school’s objectives to students, parents, and the community at large.
• Interpret the guidance program to the community.
• Organize and conduct annual career day.
• Arrange for tutors and summer school work.
• Refer students to placement service.
• Engage in research and follow-up activities to evaluate counseling techniques.
• Teach classes.
• Participate in curriculum and other developmental programs within the school or on a district level.
• Demonstrate the ethical and professional expectations as outlined by the Iowa Department of Education as well as the Westwood Community School District.
• Participate and demonstrate leadership on committees and other initiatives taking place in the district.