ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR Classification: 199 days / 10.5 months
Reports to: School Principal
Position Summary:
The primary responsibility of the school guidance counselor is to implement a comprehensive program that supports the developmental process of fulfilling the educational, vocational, psychological, and social needs of students. This guidance program assists students in making informed educational and career decisions. The school guidance counselor provides the knowledge, helps the students develop the character skills and other skills that contribute to effective learning, goal setting, and preparation for the future.
Employees work under the general direction of the Department of Student Support Services.
Essential Functions:
- Consults with staff, administration, and parents regarding the developmental and academic needs of students.
- Guides and counsels students through the development of educational plans,career exploration, and post-secondary options.
- Consults and collaborates with teachers and principals regarding methods ofhelping children with problems and behavior dynamics.
- Creates and maintains a Student Intervention Team (SIT) file for identified students in this process.
- Creates and maintains a 504 Plan for identified students as required.
- Assists in development and implementation of IDEA, 504 reports, and services.
- Interprets test data to administrators, teachers, parents, and students.
- Conducts individual and/or small group therapy counseling sessions to meet the needs of identified students.
- Counsels students as directed by requirements of Individualized Educational Plans or 504 Plans.
- Responds to requests for information or opinions on specific children or school from any level of administration and from community agencies with the appropriate signed consent for release of information.
- Works collaboratively with building level administrators and staff to facilitatea functionally effective school.
- Coordinates, conducts, and participates in activities that contribute to theeffective operation of the school.
- Acts as a liaison between the school and community agencies.
- Serves as an advocate for all students.
- Participates as an active member of the Student Support Services Team with theschool nurse and school social worker.