Counselor Interview
Published on Apr 11, 2018
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Counseling Referral Information
Katie Guidone
School Counselor Interviewed:
Tony Lorine
Harris School; Southeast Delco SD
Mr. Lorine's school covers grades 1-8 and has 800 students. He is the only counselor for the school.
School Counselor's Role
- Coordinate and implement all crisis programs and procedures
- Assess crisis situations
- Decide what procedure to use
- Make necessary referrals
The school counselor is responsible for handling all crisis situations, including creating programs, deciding what to do next, and collaborating with all necessary school personnel and parents/guardians.
Types of Referrals Made
- Crisis center referrals (Mercy-Fitzgerald, Crozer)
- Partial programs (Rockford Center, American Day Treatment, Horsham Clinic)
In the case of long-term referrals (to the partial programs), the school counselor will set up intake meetings, attend the meeting(s), and work with available school and community resources until the student returns. This can include keeping in contact with the student's parents and the center or program they are involved in.
District Policies and Procedures
- Counselors from the district meet monthly
- Information, referral procedures used, and suggestions are shared
Although information is shared monthly, each school/counselor is responsible for deciding which procedures and policies work best for their school. There is no specific district policy regarding referrals.
Referral Process
- Teachers/school personnel request need for student evaluation by counselor
- Counselor discusses findings with parent/guardian
- SAP is used very often before referrals are considered
It is important to figure out how parents feel about information that has been shared. If they are not on-board with the possibility of a referral for their child, the counselor will need to take necessary steps to inform them of the specific need and discuss all options.
Emergency Crises
- Crisis situations always come first
- If needed, other responsibilities will have to stop
If there is only one counselor at a school, and they are also in charge of handing crisis situations, all other duties will have to stop until crisis situations are handled. Once a crisis situation is diffused, the counselor can resume normal duties.
Aftercare Plan
- Meet with student who will be transitioning back to school
- Discuss necessary information and modifications with all of the student's teachers
The counselor should collaborate with all teachers and administration when a student is transitioning back to school. The student's needs and requests should be considered and honored. Teachers should be aware of any modifications or accommodations that may have to be made to ensure a smooth transition.
Interview Impressions
- Referral and crisis intervention is a major counselor responsibility
- Collaboration with school personnel, family, and the student is necessary
- Consider the student's needs and wishes
After completing my interview, I was assured that the school counselor is responsible for crisis intervention and referrals. This was something I had already known/assumed, but Mr. Lorine confirmed it. He also said he sometimes has to let go of his other duties, such as daily check-ins with some students or teaching group lessons if there is a crisis situation. He keeps in contact with administration and teachers. The student should be kept in the loop as well, and the counselor must consider what they want and need.
