07/08/1995 20130

DORMITORY COUNSELOR

DEFINITION: This is para-professional work in the guidance and supervision of students in the Hiram G. Andrews Center; or secondary school students in a dormitory setting at the Scotland School for Veterans' Children, or students at the Scranton State School for the Deaf.

An employee in this class is responsible for the residential care, custody, supervision and/or monitoring of students in living areas, other areas on campus, and at off-campus activities during an assigned shift. Many students have specialized educational needs and/or physical, mental, emotional, and social adjustment impairments. Work involves providing physical care and guidance in personal hygiene, work and study habits, and religious, social, and recreational activities. The employee serves as liaison with other institutional personnel who provide services to students. The work is performed under the general direction of a Dormitory Counselor Supervisor at the Scranton school, the Director of Student Affairs at the Scotland School, and the Manager of the Student Life Division at the Center, who periodically review the work to determine adherence to established school policies and standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Maintains discipline in all dormitories and other designated areas; proctors dining halls, study areas, auditorium, canteen, gym, swimming pool, hallways, and playgrounds; chaperons various school events both on and off the school grounds.

Informally counsels and gives guidance and advice to deaf, multi-disabled, and other students regarding such issues as personal problems, school assignments, career decisions, honesty, self-esteem, and pride.

Formally disciplines and administers corrective action/discipline designed to modify behavior, ensuring a proper system of discipline is in place.

Assigns and supervises work details and school formations.

Organizes, supervises, and officiates at athletic programs and group activities for students not engaged in varsity sports.

Organizes and supervises the work assignments and recreational or other activities of a student group.

Accompanies students to local communities for medical, religious, or social functions.

Inspects attire, living quarters, lockers, and related areas; checks attendance.

Marks clothing; maintains clothing storeroom; reviews and requisitions inventories.

Maintains safety aspects of residential living by recognizing conditions that are or could be safety hazards; trains and supervises fire drill teams.

Receives and reviews citizenship reports; conducts individual interviews and prepares reports on the behavior of students and status and progress of their work or activities.

Meets with visiting parents to discuss student's progress/needs and behavior and discipline problems, if necessary, and prepares a report of the meeting.

Serves as a liaison in working out student problems encountered by other institutional staff.

Functions as part of an interdisciplinary team; provides input regarding the student's activities during non-class hours and the effect they have on the rehabilitation plan for the student.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the individual and group behavior of school age children (aged 6 to 21)* or adults.

Knowledge of physical education techniques and their therapeutic value in an institutional care program.

Knowledge of health needs and personal hygiene of school age children (aged 6 to 21)* or adults.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of supervision of school age children (aged 6 to 21)* or adults.

Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and supervise the work assignments and recreational or other activities of school age children (aged 6 to 21)* or adults.

Ability to maintain order and discipline and command the respect of a group of school age children (aged 6 to 21)* or adults during non-school hours, and administer corrective action when necessary.

Ability to communicate accurately and concisely, in writing, in such documents as daily logs, incident/discipline reports, work orders, and supply requisition forms.

Ability to communicate orally, or through manual methods when required, with students, co-workers, supervisors, parents, and the general public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, other staff, professionals, and the interested public.

Ability to make independent decisions in emergency situations, including fights involving injuries.

Ability to establish and maintain the confidence of school age children (aged 6 to 21)* or adults, and their parents, and work effectively with them to aid in the constructive use of their capabilities and in adjusting to and coping with specific problems.

Ability to informally counsel and give guidance and advice to school age children (aged 6 to 21)* or adults regarding such issues as personal problems, school assignments, career decisions, honesty, self-esteem and pride.

Ability to exercise caution and judgment in responding to, intervening with, and/or physically restraining/controlling school age children (aged 6 to 21)* or adults threatening or showing behaviors that are potentially harmful to themselves or others.

Ability to learn to cope with day-to-day problems of school age children (aged 6 to 21) who are deaf and have multiple disabilities* or adults who are physically challenged, and to take effective action toward the resolution of such problems.

Ability to learn to apply lifting techniques to assist school age children (aged 6 to 21)* or adults when they prepare to use physical aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and crutches.

*For Scranton State School for the Deaf positions.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of experience in working with school age children (aged 6 to 21)* or adults in an organized physical, recreational, educational, or related program;

                                                                                                                                                 or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

FOR SCRANTON STATE SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF POSITIONS:

Demonstrated ability to communicate through American Sign Language and American manual alphabet at the intermediate sign communication level as determined by the Sign Communication Proficiency Interview evaluation.

All qualifying experience must consist of working with school age children (aged 6 to 21).