Minimum Requirements Regular and Sign Language Specialty

•       Master’s degree in school counseling at an accredited college or university.

Bilingual Specialty

•       Master’s degree in school counseling at an accredited college or university.

GEAR UP 3 Specialty

•       Master’s degree in school counseling at an accredited college or university.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

All Specialties

•   Demonstrated knowledge of:

o   the principles, practices and theories of individual/group counseling. o the principles, practices and theories of developmental/educational guidance. o the current techniques and trends in counseling and guidance at the secondary/middle school level.

o   theories and principles of adolescent development, individual/group behavior, group dynamics and interpersonal interactions.

o   communication skills and techniques.

o   the current health, economic and social problems experienced by urban families.

o   the functions and resources of community/governmental agencies that provide support services for students and their families.

•   Demonstrated ability to:

o   provide counseling and guidance on an individual/group basis and to conduct group support/guidance sessions.

o   employ tact, diplomacy and sound judgment in dealing with sensitive or personal problems and hostile attitudes.

o   work effectively with students and their families and to aid them in the constructive use of their capacities to address their specific problems. o identify the signs of substance abuse and students at risk for suicide.

o   understand and interpret standardized test scores, marking guidelines and promotional policies.

o   participate in crisis intervention. o communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

o   prepare     and      maintain          student-counseling       records,           reports, correspondence and statistical summaries. o establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Bilingual Specialty

•   Demonstrated knowledge of: o both English and the specified world language, including history and culture.

•   Demonstrated ability to:

o fluently speak, read and write both English and the specified world language.

Sign Language Specialty

•   Demonstrated knowledge of:

o        the social and emotion issues related to deafness/hearing impairment.

o        the diagnostic and assessment instruments commonly used for assessing deaf/hearing-impaired students. o the history and culture of the deaf/hearing impaired community.

•   Demonstrated ability to: o demonstrate proficiency in the use and understanding of Signed English and American Sign Language.

Disclaimer

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.

Nondiscrimination

The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.

Certificates/Licenses Regular, Sign Language and GEAR UP 3 Specialty

Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania instructional specialist certificate endorsed for Secondary Counselor (or Guidance Counselor Certificate issued prior to July 1, 1969)

OR

Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Elementary and Secondary School Counselor (PreK - 12) certificate.

Bilingual Specialty

Presentation of an original, signed letter from the Certification Officer of an accredited college or university verifying current enrollment in an approved School Counselor certification program.