Competencies for school counselors

A. The counselor will develop and implement a comprehensive school level guidance program based on the American school counseling association national Standard and focused on the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and vocational growth of each student by:

• (1) determining guidance priorities based on local assessed needs;
• (2) formulating measurable objectives from identified needs and priorities;
• (3) formulating specific tasks relating to achieving the objectives;
• (4) coordinating a continuing evaluation of the program;
• (5) serving all students at the prevention level;
• (6) coordinating with the appropriate administration to achieve items in Paragraphs (1) to (4) of Subsection A of 6.63.6.9 NMAC.

B. The counselor will coordinate activities in the guidance and counseling program by:

• (1) communicating the curriculum based on content Standard and benchmarks;
• (2) working with other staff members to encourage the inclusion of a student-oriented philosophy in all school activities;
• (3) helping to integrate the guidance and counseling program within the total school program;
• (4) communicating with parents and the community about services available within the guidance and counseling program;
• (5) learning about available school and community resources;
• (6) establishing and maintaining contact with school and community resources;
• (7) working with the administration to utilize community resources related to the guidance program.

C. The counselor will provide information and facilitate guidance activities for students, staff, and parents by:

• (1) assisting others in their understanding of personal and social development;
• (2) serving as a resource to facilitate groups and presentations on pertinent issues;
• (3) providing prevention strategies which address current issues such as chemical dependency, teenage pregnancy, suicide, dropping out, and various forms of abuse;
• (4) conducting activities on educational career themes;
• (5) conducting orientation/training programs for students, parents, and staff;
• (6) interpreting test results to students, parents, and staff.

D. The counselor will serve as a consultant to the school and community by:

• (1) providing mediation for change in behavior and conflict resolution;
• (2) serving as a liaison for issues pertinent to the learning environment of the school;
• (3) supporting the staff with assistance in developing positive rapport with students to maximize learning potential by reducing or mitigating the impact of learning barriers;
• (4) assisting teachers in identifying students who would benefit from counseling and providing feedback on referred students as appropriate;
• (5) providing information to parents and students to aid in their understanding of educational goals and barriers to learning;
• (6) providing resource materials and expertise dealing with issues affecting students, staff, and family;
• (7) providing information about appropriate community resources or organizations which provide services to students and their families;
• (8) developing strategies and methods of working with parents and guardians.

E. The counselor will provide individual and group counseling by:

• (1) providing crisis intervention;
• (2) using appropriate interventions in situations detrimental to the physical, mental, educational, and emotional well-being of the individual;
• (3) providing support to individuals by addressing topics such as interpersonal relations, communication, decision-making, problem-solving skills, academic programs, and career and life planning;
• (4) making referrals to school and community resources when necessary.

F. The counselor will uphold the Standard of the counseling profession by:

• (1) meeting the state competency standard and the requirements for preparation;
• (2) participating in the development of policies concerning guidance and counseling;
• (3) keeping informed about developments and innovations within the profession at the local, state, and national levels;
• (4) following the legal and ethical Standard of the counseling profession;
• (5) realizing personal and professional limitations.

G. The counselor will understand the cultural context of relationships, issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society related to such factors as culture, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical characteristics, education, family values, religious and spiritual beliefs, and socioeconomic status, and unique characteristics of individuals, couples, families, ethnic groups, and communities.

H. The counselor will be able to use technology in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of a comprehensive school counseling program.