School Counselor

About the Role

The K-8 school counselor supports the development of a safe and respectful positive school climate, addressing potential barriers to academic success that may exist within the child, home, school, and/or community. This position is funded by and serves the requirements of the SSP ESSER program, implementing School Counselor responsibilities as recommended by the American School Counselor Association.

Responsibilities

• Attend required program training and conduct program activities, including implementation of social-emotional learning strategies.
• Participate in special education assessment alongside evaluators as deemed fit by the multidisciplinary evaluation team (MET).
• Provide strategies and support to students in unique living circumstances that impact their adjustment to school.
• Develop and run counseling groups for students identified as having life circumstances that impact academic or social well-being.
• Work with families to mobilize school and community resources to assist with enabling learning within the educational program.
• Assist school personnel with the creation and implementation of positive behavioral supports.
• Work alongside other school mental health staff and school administration to provide crisis supports as necessary.
• Provide consultative supports to school personnel to understand factors impacting a student’s behavioral, academic, and/or social-emotional functioning.
• Develop and deliver staff training as needed.
• Interpret cognitive, aptitude, and achievement tests.
• Provide counseling to students who experience chronic tardiness, absenteeism, or disciplinary problems.
• Provide short-term individual and small group counseling services to students.
• Consult with teachers to schedule and present school counseling curriculum lessons based on developmental needs and data-identified needs.
• Interpret student records.
• Consult with teachers about building classroom connections, effective classroom management, and the role of noncognitive factors in student success.
• Consult with the school principal to identify and resolve student issues, needs, and problems.
• Advocate for students at individualized education plan meetings, student study teams, and school attendance review boards.
• Analyze disaggregated schoolwide and school counseling program data.

Requirements

• Certification as a school counselor from the respective state Department of Education.
• School counselor work experience is preferred.
• Background check requirements vary by state, including state and national criminal history checks.

Competencies

• Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
• Engages diversity and difference in practice.
• Advances human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
• Engages in policy practice.
• Works effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
• Assesses and intervenes with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
• Evaluates practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
• Self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to plan and manage multiple tasks in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to articulate knowledge and impart professional judgment clearly.
• Uses neutrality and data-driven decision-making when communicating with staff.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Exhibits professional conduct in all situations.
• Enjoys collaborative relationships and working within a team dynamic.
• Possesses honesty, integrity, and a willingness to uphold ethical standards.
• Uses feedback and constructive criticism to improve performance.
• Engages in active listening and asks clarifying questions.
• Open to new ideas and professional development.
• Maintains composure and neutrality while completing responsibilities.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Duties are typically performed in school and/or office settings. May include frequent walking, standing, stooping, and lifting up to approximately 25 pounds. Occasional lifting of equipment or materials up to 40 pounds may be required. Flexibility is needed as duties may occur in various settings within the school environment.

Benefits

• Industry-leading pay, rewards, and referral bonuses.
• Paid time-off.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Discounted onsite childcare and student enrollment priority.
• Retirement plans.
• Promotion opportunities, training, mentoring, and tuition reimbursement.