District Special Services Counselor - Sumter School District

About the role

The District Special Education Counselor provides specialized counseling services and behavioral support to students receiving special education services across the district. This position collaborates with school-based personnel, families, and community agencies to address students' social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs while supporting compliance with federal and state special education regulations. The counselor serves as a key member of multidisciplinary teams and contributes to the development and implementation of interventions that promote student success.

Responsibilities

• Direct Counseling Services
• Provide individual and group counseling services for students receiving special education services.
• Support students in developing emotional regulation, social skills, self-advocacy, coping strategies, and positive peer relationships.
• Utilize evidence-based counseling practices and interventions to address social-emotional and behavioral concerns.
• Monitor student progress and adjust interventions as needed.
• IEP Team Collaboration
• Serve as an active member of Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams.
• Aid in identifying student needs and developing measurable goals, accommodations, behavioral supports, and intervention plans.
• Provide data and recommendations regarding students' social, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
• Support compliance with federal and state special education requirements.
• Crisis Intervention
• Respond to student emotional and behavioral crises as needed.
• Participate in threat assessments, suicide risk assessments, and crisis response procedures in accordance with district protocols.
• Coordinate follow-up services and supports for students experiencing mental health concerns or behavioral challenges.
• Consultation and Training
• Consult with general education and special education teachers regarding behavioral interventions, classroom management strategies, accommodations, and social-emotional supports.
• Collaborate with administrators, psychologists, social workers, and related service providers to address student needs.
• Provide professional development and training related to student mental health, behavior supports, and special education practices.
• Family and Community Collaboration
• Serve as a liaison between schools, families, and community agencies.
• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding student progress, concerns, and available resources.
• Cook up referrals and supportive services with community providers and external agencies when appropriate.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Master's degree in School Counseling from an accredited institution.
• Certification: Valid South Carolina School Counselor Certification.
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of successful experience in school counseling preferred.

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Understanding of social-emotional learning, behavioral interventions, crisis response, and special education processes.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development and mental health supports.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong conflict resolution and crisis management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community agencies.
• Strong multidisciplinary teamwork and case management abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Proficiency in data collection, documentation, and recordkeeping.

Physical Demands and Environmental Factors

• Frequent district-wide travel.
• Regular movement throughout school buildings and grounds during the workday.
• Ability to respond promptly to crisis situations and student needs.
• Work is performed in school, office, and community settings.