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School Counselor Roles and Responsibilities

The role of the school counselor is driven by the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA)National Model and Framework.

creating an inclusive, safe and nurturing environment for all students
engaging in individual student academic planning and goal setting
delivering school counseling classroom lessons throughout the school year
providing short-term counseling to students
making referrals for long-term support for students
collaborating with families/teachers/ administrators/ community for student success
advocating for students at Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, 504 and other student-focused meetings
conducting data analysis to identify student needs and challenges
acting as a systems change agent to improve equity and access, achievement and opportunities for all students

Support for Students

providing proactive approaches to meeting the needs of students through classroom lessons focused on topics to support social-emotional, college/career readiness, and academic goals
creating opportunities for individual student counseling sessions based on self referral, staff, or parent referral
implementing small groups based on topics to support student needs
preparing students for the transitions to the next academic level
planning and coordinating school wide activities that are designed to build school community
consulting with parents/guardians and educators to support students academic and social emotional growth
collaborating on school management teams to advocate for access and equity for all students

Student Confidentiality

Conversations with a school counselor are kept confidential unless the information is a threat or harm to self or others. Examples include but are not limited to:

Child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect
Crime or serious offense
Sexual harassment by a student or school employee
Health risk to yourself or another person

HCPSS FAMILY RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS HOMEPAGE

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) provides countless supports for students and families, and recognizes there are times when additional help is needed. Various reputable county, state and national organizations can provide assistance every day and during times of crisis. The HCPSS Family Resources and Supports Homepage houses a list of resources/organizations. Additional services for residents in Howard County are available on the Howard County Government website.

National Suicide Hotline

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

HCPSS CAREAPP

CAREAPP is an electronic tool that allows us to help you and other residents in Howard County connect to services they need to stay healthy. Find services for food, health, housing, transportation, education, employment assistance, and more.

Grassroots Crisis Support

410-531-6677

Grassroots provides 24-hour access to quality behavioral health, crisis intervention and homeless services to individual and family consumers in need. We are a free, 24-hour resource serving children, adults and families throughout Central Maryland.

Howard County Network of Care

Provided by the Howard County Health Department, Bureau of Behavioral Health, and the Local Behavioral Health Authority, the website provides information in the range of human services, including behavioral health, basic needs, and community resources, and materials are available in over 100 languages.

HCPSS Supporting Mental Health & Wellness

HCPSS promotes the mental health and wellness of each of our students to develop their unique strengths, abilities, and characteristics towards success and well-being. Staff consider the variety of factors that impact a student’s functioning such as age, cultural background, social emotional skills, academic outcomes, and access to resources.

Howard County Behavioral Health Navigator

Behavioral Health Navigation connects community members, providers, and families to mental health and substance use resources in the community. To contact a Behavioral Health Navigator, call Kala Jenkins at 410-313-6240 or email bhnavigator @howardcountymd.gov