***Somali and/or Spanish Language Proficiency Required

SUMMARY:

The COSA has responsibility for leading the ongoing implementation, support and curricular enhancements for the My Life Plan curriculum as part of the comprehensive counseling support provide to all MPS students. The counselor provides technical support and training to counselors, teachers and district staff and maintains strong relationships with internal and external partners. Additionally, the COSA supports district level initiatives and collaborates with district departments to ensure equity for students and to promote the role of counseling within MPS and overall student achievement.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

1. Provides technical support and training to counselors, teachers, district staff and others in using the My Life Plan online curriculum and tool. (My Life Plan is a web-based, blended learning experience for students in grades 6-12. The curriculum helps students develop their college and career readiness skills and understanding.)

2. Refines, strengthens and monitors effective curriculum development aligned with best practices and the ASCA National Model.

3. Leads the My Life Plan taskforce

4. Establishes and maintains positive, effective relationship with key internal and external partners (e.g. Information Technology, Research Evaluation and Assessment, Achieve MPLS, Hobsons Company) to assure effective implementation of the online curriculum to all students.

5. Serves as technology lead for MPS counseling resources and information. Maintains the district counseling webpage and assures timely, accurate information is provided at all school web sites

6. Supports systems and processes to increase graduation rates for all Minneapolis High Schools

7. Advocates and drives solutions to assure consistent services are provided to all MPS students across all schools

8. Meet with school counseling teams annually to monitor and strengthen effective use of My Life Plan.

9. Promote the role of the school counselor and comprehensive school counseling programs in district strategies planning.

10. Team with other student support and academic departments to address barriers to student achievement.

11. Maintain ASCA ethical standards in relation to counseling issues and performance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Administration, or related field; AND five (5) years of demonstrated administrative experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

Online learning and/or blended learning best practices

· The role of technology in school counseling

· The role of counselors and ASCA standards

· Age appropriate curriculum.

· Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including finance, budgeting, purchasing, contract and grant management, customer service and employee supervision.

· Operational planning, district department integration and collaboration.

· Techniques and practices for efficient and cost effective management of resources.

· Local and national resources and training programs to support counseling and school counselors.

· Specialized MPS software applications and procedures.

· Principles of record keeping, records management, and management of confidential records.

Skill in:

· Working with online systems and tools to enhance student learning

· Project management

· Directing educational programs and functions.

· Interpreting, and applying state and Federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations.

· Assessing, analyzing, and identifying problems, and recommending effective solutions.

· Researching, collecting, analyzing, and preparing data and generating reports.

· Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and evaluating staff performance.

· Providing effective customer service, and dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.

· Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, clients, community groups and government agencies.

· Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.

· Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

· MPS organization, operations, policies and procedures.

· Master’s degree

· Minnesota counseling license

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

· A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.

· A valid Minnesota teaching license as a K-12 or secondary Guidance Counselor; or proof of pending approved licensure

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.