Apply now to work in the Fort Osage School District!

This position is for the 2025-2026 school year.  Salary is based on the adopted salary schedule for the 24-25 school year at this time (starting salary= $44,200). We recognize all previous years in certificated teaching roles as steps on the salary schedule.  The Fort Osage School District prioritizes a highly competitive salary schedule, with additional benefits including optional fully paid health insurance, career ladder stipends (up to $5,000), extra duty stipend opportunities and more.  

New teachers mentor program available for all first and second year teachers.

Certification in 9-12 Counseling or K-12 Counseling is required at the start of the contract.

This job reports to the Principal of Fort Osage High School and works in a team of 3 additional counselors and social worker.

 For questions or to learn more, reach out to Dr. Josh Luke, Principal (816-650-7031) or to the Human Resources Department (816-650-7004).

Purpose Statement

The job of Counselor is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process with specific

responsibility for managing the schedules and placement of assigned students; providing course curriculum,

information and recommendations to students and parents; assisting in the development of goals and plans

for achievement and assisting with career and college readiness.

Essential Functions

• Administers and/or assists in the administration of standardized testing (e.g. gifted and talented, special education, stated mandated assessments, section 504 testing, etc.) for the purpose of evaluating students' ability and areas of deficiency / strength for program planning and/or meeting administrative and legal requirements.
• Assists students in completing applications (e.g. scholarships, college, financial aid, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring completion of application processes within designated time frames.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services, making recommendations, evaluating program effectiveness and infusing counseling activities into the regular education curricula.
• Coordinates assigned programs (e.g. scholarships, peer counseling, Section 504, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for student success and achieving overall curriculum objectives.
• Coordinates a variety of activities (e.g. student course selection, student clubs, support groups, school visits for transitioning students, etc.) for the purpose of completing activities and delivering services in a timely manner.
• Coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists and/or community (e.g. service clubs, courts, Children's Division, CTC Programs, dual credit/articulated credit courses, etc.) for the purpose of providing/receiving requested information and/or making recommendations.
• Counsels students, parents, and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school and for education/career planning.
• Develops a variety of special programs (e.g. career night, financial aid workshops, student orientation programs, college night programs, parent information programs, etc.) for the purpose of providing information to assist students in the successful transition to the next level of schooling and/or from high school to career, training and/or containing education.
• Maintains a variety of confidential and non-confidential manual and electronic lists and records (e.g. At Risk, homeless, student records, hotline calls contact logs, 504 plans, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or providing reliable information.
• Monitors students' academic, behavior and social/emotional progress for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success.
• Participates in a variety of meetings, conferences, workshops, and trainings (e.g. department, IEP, 504, district curriculum, parent groups, conferences, counseling advisory, district preparations, school safety committee, in-service, BIST, etc.) for the purpose of representing both department / school and ensuring the development of an articulated program within their subject area.       
• Prepares a wide variety of materials in collaboration with other staff, students and parents (e.g. student schedules, parent workshop materials, success plans, 504 plans, testing results implications, test scores student placement recommendations, student orientations, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Presents information to parents, students, staff, colleges, potential employers and outside agencies (e.g. parent workshops, staff development, student placement recommendations, student orientations, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information.
• Researches program eligibility requirements (e.g. financial aid, college eligibility, G/T, 504 services, career technology program, dual credit/articulated credits, special education services, etc.) for the purpose of providing up-to-date, accurate counsel to students.
• Responds to crisis situations for the purpose of identifying relevant issues, recommending or implementing action plans to facilitate student success and ensuring a safe and secure learning environment.
• Schedules a variety of activities with students (e.g. student classes, individual student counseling sessions, small group sessions, mediation groups, WEB support, OPP Plus (At Risk), tutoring, crisis intervention, etc.) for the purpose of securing appropriate placement and meeting their graduation and college eligibility requirements and/or meeting the needs of students.

   Responsibility

   Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; directing

   other persons within a small work unit; monitoring budget expenditures. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to effect the organization’s services.

Work Environment

   The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional

   lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling,  significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine

   finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing.  The job is performed in a

   generally hazard free environment and in a clean atmosphere.

Clearances Required

Background Check

Family Care Registry Check

 FLSA Status                                               

  Exempt