Honokaa Elementary: Grade K-6 School Counselor, 65078 (2026-01057)

About the role

We are seeking a compassionate, proactive, and student-centered Elementary School Counselor to join our team. In this role, you will be the heart of our school’s social-emotional support system, helping students navigate their early developmental years, build resilience, and foster a lifelong love for learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide short-term individual counseling and small-group sessions focusing on social skills, grief, anger management, and anxiety.
• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons based on the ASCA National Model (e.g., empathy, bullying prevention, and personal safety).
• Support students and families during immediate crises and provide referrals to outside mental health resources when necessary.
• Partner with teachers, parents, and administrators to develop strategies for student success and behavioral interventions.
• Serve as a key member of the 504 team to ensure students receive necessary accommodations.
• Aid students with the transition from home to school and the "big leap" from elementary to middle school.

Qualifications

• The Hawaii State Department of Education is committed to hiring highly qualified teachers in every classroom. With the exception of designated Career and Technology Education (CTE) positions, the minimum qualification to apply for a teacher, librarian or counselor position is a Bachelor's Degree.
• If you are hired without completing a Teacher's Education Program, you have a maximum of 3 years to obtain a valid Hawaii teaching license. You must enroll in a Program to continue employment with the Department.
• Upon hire you will need to have a valid Hawaii teaching license or Emergency Hire Permit. You may apply for your Hawaii teaching license on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board Website.

Benefits

• Payday: New employees can expect their first paycheck within the first 3 pay periods of their start date. Payday is on the 5th and 20th (or previous business day) of every month.
• Certificated 10-Month Teachers enjoy a range of competitive benefits including:
• Compensation: 10-month teachers shall be compensated for the applicable Bargaining Unit 05 10-month salary schedule for working a 10-month work year.
• 18 Days of Paid Sick Leave and State/Federal Holidays: 10-month teachers receive 18 days of paid sick leave (of which 6 can be utilized for personal and/or professional development purposes) during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees.