Counselor, Elementary School

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive program of guidance, including counseling services to assigned school; use a planning process to define needs and priorities of populations served; provide a proactive developmental guidance program for all students to maximize personal growth and development; to promote a positive working relationship, among and between staff and the schools, by establishing a climate conducive to open communication and productive work

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Master's Degree, required

Texas Counselor's Certificate, required

Texas Teaching Certificate, required

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of counseling procedures; communicate effectively (verbal and written); utilize effective interpersonal skills; possess effective organizational and presentation skills; interpret data, federal and state laws and policies; basic computer skills

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience as a classroom teacher, required

Working Days:  190

Note:  Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Plan and implement the school guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs.

1. Provide guidance and counseling to individuals and groups of students related to their personal needs.

1. Provide guidance and counseling to students with disabilities as specified in their Individual Educational Plans.

1. Guide students in learning new skills and concepts that have a positive impact on behavior by providing practice, reinforcement, assessment for understanding and feedback.

1. Provide crisis counseling and/or consultation services.

1. Teach the school developmental guidance curriculum in conjunction with teachers or through individual, group and/or classroom activities.

1. Consult with parents, administrators, school personnel or students about educational, personal and social needs of students through conferences, phone calls and home visits.

1. Use an effective referral process to work cooperatively with school, community and resource persons to assist students.

1. Serve on campus committees that address student needs.

1. Evaluate and compile data on referred students to determine eligibility for counseling as a related service.

1. Compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other required documents in a timely and efficient manner.

1. Pursue professional growth by participating in appropriate in-service opportunities and keep abreast of changes and developments in education as reflected in research, literature and best practice.

1. Coordinate with staff and provide input regarding students to the Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee.

1. Foster collaborative educational efforts among staff by supporting the district's philosophy and mission and its commitment to site-based shared decision-making.

1. Keep the principal informed regarding the status of all projects or initiatives undertaken and of directives or requests received internally or externally.

1. Use accepted theories and techniques appropriate to school counseling.

1. Adhere to ethical and legal standards.

1. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.

1. Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, copier, multimedia equipment

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress; coordinate projects; meet deadlines

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Frequent prolonged and irregular hours; frequent district wide and occasional state or national travel; occasional lifting and/or moving up to 45 pounds and over; assist in restraining students in a crisis situation