High School Counselor

Bishop O’Dowd’s Mission/Charism

Mission: Bishop O’Dowd High School is a Catholic college-preparatory community, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, that educates its diverse student body to build a more just, joyful, and sustainable world.

Charism:

Finding God In All Things Calls Us to:

Community in Diversity

Strength of Character

Academic Excellence

Kinship With Creation

Social Justice

Joy

Essential Responsibilities:

• Enact the Catholic mission and charism of the school.
• Exercise good judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action(s).
• Act as a role model to students and peers.
• Assist students with issues of educational, emotional, personal, and social development and adjustment.
• Participate actively in the scheduling of students for proper course placement, graduation eligibility, and college readiness.
• Arrange conferences with students upon referral from parents, teachers, administrators, or from the individual student.
• Maintain confidentiality and clearly communicate to others the need for, and limits of, confidentiality.
• Maintain log notes and records as appropriate.
• Assist students in understanding and accepting themselves as individuals.
• Support the development of student’s ability to cope with and solve problems, and become self-advocates.
• Assist with the school-testing program.
• Participate in evening events (e.g., College Nights, Course Information and AP Night, etc.).
• Communicate regularly with the Director of Counseling and Associate Director of College Counseling.
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues, administrators, and families regarding student progress and student needs.
• Communicate with Director on all student issues detailed in the Counseling Department Handbook.
• Assist students and parents in identifying and obtaining the services of public and private agencies in the community when issues require more intensive intervention.
• Help students understand school policies and foster positive attitudes toward them.
• Maintain professional standards and competence by attending workshops, seminars, and membership in organizations related to the counseling field.
• Help students establish a specific study program, and access academic support and/or tutoring when needed.
• Maintain familiarity with current college admissions requirements & scholarship information for academic and college advisement purposes.
• Attend and engage in evening events such as college nights, back-to-school events, etc.
• Develop a working knowledge of computer software and improve the skills necessary to effectively use these applications and other software as they pertain to the department.
• Coordinate specific program(s) (i.e. Career, Testing) with department members at the discretion of the Director of Counseling and Associate Principal.

Qualifications for this position

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, or other relevant field preferred
• A California Pupil Personnel Services Credential preferred
• High school counseling experience preferred
• Ability to successfully provide comprehensive support and guidance to a caseload of approximately 150 students
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of the counseling team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated understanding of and passion for high school education and adolescent development.
• Evidenced knowledge of and experience in the required job area
• Proven ability to differentiate access and provide experiences for diverse community needs
• Ability to foster a safe, inclusive, equitable, and joyful working environment
• A nuanced understanding of DEI from a personal and/or professional perspective
• Experience authentically engaging with diverse working environments
• Proven success in collaborating with colleagues and innovating practices
• Bachelor’s degree and/or related education or experience applicable to the responsibilities of the position

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Additionally, all personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Pre-employment background screening is required for all positions.

For more information on Bishop O’Dowd High School, please see our website at: http://bishopodowd.org.

Bishop O’Dowd High School is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment policies and procedures. It follows the Diocese of Oakland's policies prohibiting illegal harassment, retaliation, or discrimination. However, as a Roman Catholic high school with a stated mission, goals, and objectives that clearly reflect the teachings and educational philosophy of the Diocese of Oakland, Bishop O’Dowd High School reserves the right to require all current and prospective employees to commit to carrying out their duties and responsibilities in a manner that clearly and unconditionally demonstrates support of and respect for the school’s mission and Catholic identity. Persons who in good conscience are unable to agree to this commitment should not seek or accept employment at Bishop O’Dowd High School.