Elementary School Counselor - Alfred Elementary School

Qualifications

• A Master's Degree in Elementary Counseling or similar degree.
• Must hold a valid State of Maine certificate in counseling.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work cooperatively with students, staff and families.

Job Goals

• To design and implement a school counseling program that aligns with ASCA National Standards as well as the Maine Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model 2.0, with a shared team of stakeholders.
• To provide dynamic, engaging lessons to students via classroom visits, community assemblies, small groups, etc. as part of a greater team of counselors and staff who are genuinely connected to students.
• To collaborate with a talented, progressive team that has formed deep, lasting relationships with families and students by providing support to these families aiding in barrier reduction and access to learning and basic needs.
• To further the development and implementation of our MTSS-B System and Structures to support student needs.

Performance Responsibilities

• Responsible for the planning and performance of counseling services within WES for grades PK-5 in collaboration with counselors and administrators.
• This includes curricular materials for direct instruction which meet learning objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with students, families, staff, and the community.
• Provide short-term individual and group counseling for students when appropriate.
• Will be available to students for self-referrals and referrals from staff, families, and others.
• Provide and follow programs for students, within the classroom or small group context, which help students with their own social and emotional development. (I.e., Yale RULER, Strong Start/Strong Kids, Social Thinking, etc.)
• Provide crisis intervention for students when the occasion(s) arise.
• Consider student communication as privileged (as enacted by Public Laws 1973, Chapter 484) and as a number one priority.
• Consult in a positive and collaborative manner with families, faculty, administrators, and other professionals regarding students.
• Refer students to out-of-school professionals when the MTSS-B team decides it is necessary.
• Make classroom observations when the counselor and/or teacher consider it in the best interest of the student.
• Counselors shall adhere to the Code of Ethics sanctioned for school counselors by the The American School Counselors' Association.
• Assists new students in adjusting to school.
• Assists students in establishing high standards of conduct.
• Conducts research pertinent to health, guidance, and remediation.
• Counsels students on educational and/or personal problems.
• Helps teachers understand the special needs and/or challenges of individual students and their families.
• Interprets diagnoses to school personnel and others – when appropriate and there is a "need to know."
• Be a part of committees that align with the school counseling program or where your expertise is needed (e.g., attendance teams, MTSS-B, etc.).

Evaluation

• Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the School Board's policy on evaluation.

Physical Demands

• Frequent: Sitting, standing, walking, and climbing stairs.
• Physical Tasks: Bending, pulling, pushing, kneeling, and crouching.
• Lifting: Ability to lift ranging from 25–75 lbs depending on student size and situational needs.

Note

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Note: The above job description reflects the general requirements necessary to describe the principal functions or responsibilities of the job identified and shall not be interpreted as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job, either at present or in the future.