Educational Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Counselor position is responsible for the effective development and delivery of counseling, therapeutic, and educational services at the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA) to help students and families overcome issues that may impede students’ educational success. The Counselor works with children (infants-13 years old) in the context of family, school, peers, and community systems, using a family systems orientation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides individual, small group, classroom, and family counseling.
• Aids the child to develop the skills to effectively process feelings and work cooperatively with others.
• Trains and consults for staff and parents, both in-service and after school, to increase the success potential of SUIMA students.
• Identifies and integrates intellectual, language, social, emotional, and developmental factors (including an understanding of the special needs of atypical, disabled, and gifted students) into counseling practices.
• Responds to crisis requests during regular school hours, providing brief assessments, intervention, and referral.
• Establishes and maintains a trusting relationship with families by providing regular contact, whether in person or over the phone.
• Serves as support system for children and their families, providing knowledge of and referral to appropriate community resources.
• Understands and incorporates the Montessori philosophy.
• Participates in the development of curriculum for counseling programs; provides classroom presentations as needed; observes children during classroom and play activities and confers with their teachers and parents to evaluate student strengths, concerns, and strategies for intervention.
• Develops and implements individual learning plans, specific to areas of counseling, for each child. Responsible for assessment of student social/emotional needs, establishing goals, monitoring progress, and addressing parental concerns in a positive and timely manner.
• Responsible for current knowledge of federal, state, and tribal laws relating to counseling for students age infant-13 years old.
• Compiles, maintains, and secures reports and records related to counseling and/or reports and records that are required by law.
• Prepares required documents and reports as necessary which may include progress reports, quarterly and annual reports.
• Maintains an inventory of equipment purchased for the Counseling program.
• Schedules meetings, in-service trainings, and conferences as directed.
• Participates in a positive, supportive, and team-oriented environment.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a MA/MS in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or other closely related field.
• Must have 1 year of counseling experience, including experience in a school setting.
• Must have classroom presentation experience.
• Must be able to work varied hours to meet student educational needs.
• Must have experience in record keeping, data collection and report writing.
• Must have computer experience in current software programs.
• Must pass a thorough background check including Criminal History and fingerprint check.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A valid Driver’s License for state of residency and be insurable under the Tribal vehicle insurance policy.
• Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Marriage Family Therapist.
• Two years of experience performing management duties in an educational environment.
• Three years of experience in family counseling and working with family and interagency systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• TERO preference.