Springfield Public Schools is committed to finding the best candidate for the job, including candidates who may come from less traditional professional backgrounds. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in the job posting. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications outlined in the job posting.  If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.

Posting Opens:  Thursday, April 19, 2024

Posting Closes:  Open Until Filled (submit your application materials by Friday, May 3, 2024 in order to be considered during the initial application review process)

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is $42,103 - $91,215 depending on education/experience plus a generous benefit plan. (based on 23/24 Salary Schedule)

About the District

Springfield Public Schools is located in Springfield, Oregon, in the heart of the Willamette Valley, and serves 185 square miles of the city of Springfield and East/Central Lane County.  We are directly to the East of Eugene, where the University of Oregon is located.  We currently have more than 9,000 students, over 1,400 staff members and over 600 teachers in our kindergarten through grade 12 school district.  Springfield Public Schools believes student success is our most important outcome.  The success of our students depends on the collective community coming together to support “Every Student, Every Day” throughout their K-12 education.

In Springfield Public Schools, we acknowledge that systemic barriers have perpetuated disparities and disproportionate outcomes for students from historically marginalized populations. We believe that educational equity is about providing every student with the opportunities and resources to thrive, and removing the barriers that have led to the predictability of academic success based on identity. We assert that working for educational equity is the responsibility of each person in our system. 

We strive to create welcoming and inclusive cultures and environments that embrace and affirm the identity of each student inclusive of race, ethnicity, disability, family economics, mobility, language, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, initial proficiencies, immigration status, and religion. We are committed to standing up to bias and discrimination. 

We recognize that achieving educational equity is a process of assessment, reflection, and continuous improvement. We engage in these practices so that across our system, teaching and learning can be appropriately varied and responsive to every student, every day. 

To learn more about Equity & Inclusion efforts at Springfield Public Schools please click here!

About the Position 

Springfield Public Schools seeks outstanding candidates for the position of Full-Time (1.0 FTE) High School Counselor at Thurston High School (THS). The Thurston High School Counselor promotes and enhances the learning process for students through an integration of academic, personal/social, and post-secondary development. The THS counselor assists students regarding educational issues such as course and program selection, class scheduling, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and college/career planning.

A successful THS Counselor will help individuals navigate healthy social, emotional, academic, and personal paths as they develop current and post-K-12 college and career plans. Counselors also deliver counseling services through class guidance lessons, small groups, and individual counseling; they analyze data and use results to inform stakeholders and continuously improve programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Counsels students, parents, and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school;
• Advises students, parents and guardians for the purpose of providing information on students' progress and/or recommendations regarding their successful transition to and from high school;
• Consistently utilizes a lens of equity and engages in culturally relevant and responsive practices; 
• Coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists and/or community (e.g. service clubs, courts, child protective services, etc.) for the purpose of providing requested information, gaining needed information and/or making recommendations;
• Monitors student records for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding students' goals;
• Prepares documentation (e.g. observations; progress; contacts with parents, teachers, outside professionals, etc.) for the purpose of providing written support, developing recommendations and/or conveying information;
• Develops various programming (e.g. family connection events, financial aid workshops, etc.) in order to inform and intervene;
• Schedules student classes for the purpose of securing appropriate placement and meeting their graduation and college eligibility requirements;
• Prepares applications for students (scholarships, college, financial aid) for the purpose of ensuring completion of application processes within designated timeframes;
• Presents information on various topics to staff and families (e.g. career readiness, student support, research-based practices, family orientation, etc.) for the purpose of providing required information and/or advice;
• Researches program eligibility requirements (e.g. financial aid, college eligibility, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining knowledge of eligibility requirements to provide counsel to students;
• Keeps current and counsels students using the Educational Plan and Profile for all students on caseload;
• Supports positive and healthy mental health for all students (e.g. staff training, Sources of Strength participation, mental health referrals, safety plan building, etc.).

 Other Job Functions

• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities;
• Analyze achievement data and create academic action plans;
• Collaborate with middle school counseling and transition teams, as well as other district counseling teams.

Successful candidates will possess the following abilities and qualifications that support our district vision “Every Student a Graduate Prepared for a Bright and Successful Future”:

• A valid State of Oregon School Counselor license for high school;
• Motivated to establish effective working relationships with staff, colleagues, students, parents and the community;
• Knowledge of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS);
• Strong student relational skills;
• Positive and effective communication and collaboration skills desired;
• Ability and commitment to practice cultural competency and demonstrate respect for diversity;
• Bilingual applicants encouraged.

Other Notes

This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job.  This job posting is not a contract of employment or a promise of guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment.  The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

How to Apply

All postings/applications go through TalentEd Hire.  Go to www.springfield.k12.or.us and click on the “Join Our Team” link.  Locate the Licensed Postings button and click on the link, which takes you to TalentEd Hire. 

Incomplete applications may not be considered.  A complete application includes the following:

• Current resume;
• Complete application form including criminal history, drug-screen consent and affirmative action information forms on TalentEd Hire;
• Equity and Inclusion written statement (see prompt in application);
• Complete set of college/university transcripts (official or unofficial);
• At least three (3) current letters of recommendation from persons qualified to comment on your skills, abilities, and/or preparation for the position.

An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender or sexual orientation in admission or access to the treatment of employment in its programs and activities as required by state and federal law.  If you have any complaints, please contact Human Resources at (541) 726-3203.

It is our policy to provide qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with applicable law.  Applicants wishing to claim veterans' preference must provide the following military documents verifying their eligibility:

Veterans: A copy of the applicant's Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (a federal DD Form 214 or 215), which shows character of service upon discharge OR a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicating the applicant receives a non-service connected pension.

Disabled Veterans: A copy of the applicant's Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (a federal DD Form 214 or 215), which shows character of service upon discharge AND a copy of the applicants veteran's disability preference letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (unless the information is included on the DD Form 214 or 215).

For veterans' preference to apply, the required military documents must be submitted at the time of application submission.