Elementary Counselor

PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Enable all students to benefit from educational opportunities to the fullest by meeting developmental needs in the personal-social, academic, and vocational areas and by addressing problems that prevent or interfere with student learning. The basic roles of the school counselor are program management, implementation of a developmental guidance program/curriculum, individual and group counseling, consultation on individual needs-behavior and relationships, coordination of resources for full student development, and assessment of student and school needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:

• Masters Degree
• Texas Counseling Certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge in guidance program

Experience:

• Three years elementary teaching experience preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Instructional Management
1. Establish realistic and meaningful program goals and objectives.
2. Assume leadership in implementing and scheduling for the guidance classes.
3. Provide classroom guidance and counseling activities for students.
4. Consult with teachers to make adjustments to meet the individual needs of pupils.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in counseling skills.
6. Prepare and administer TAAS testing, ITBS, and COGAT.
7. Develop 504 plans and chair meeting.

School/Organizational Climate 
8. Present a positive role model for students.
9. Maintain professional relationships conducive to cooperation and teamwork.
10. Comply with district and school policies and regulations.
11. Coordinate and cooperate with colleagues, students, and parents.
12. Advocate students.

School/Organizational Improvement
13. Assist in using and interpreting test data for the improvement of instruction.
14. Consult with students, teachers, and parents to meet special needs of students.
15. Address and support campus goals, objectives, and improvement plans.
16. Share guidance materials from professional meetings and publications.
17. Submit reports and information in a timely and professional manner.
18. Initiate an evaluation of the campus guidance program.

Student Management
19. Help students establish goals, determine their abilities and achievement potential, focus on their strengths, and improve their weaknesses.
20. Provide intervention and support services through individual and small group sessions based on student’s presenting needs/concerns.
21. Work with parents and school staff to meet the individual needs of referred students.
22. Encourage parental involvement.
23. Make referrals and work with the referral source to meet students’ needs for follow-up activities/services.

School/Community Relations
24. Articulate the need for benefits of the guidance and counseling program.
25. Foster activities that enhance the relationships between the school and community.
26. Utilize the community members as resource volunteers, special friends, and partners in education.
27. Provide information to parents and community about the educational program in general and the guidance program in particular.

Professional Growth and Development
28. Develop and maintain a plan for professional improvement, including 20 hours of staff development.
29. Use surveys and feedback from others to evaluate the counseling program.
30. Adhere to ethical, legal, and professional standards.
31. Affiliate with professional counseling associations at expense of counselor.
32. Be knowledgeable of current research and practices and integrate them into counseling activities.
33. Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervise clerical employee(s) and assigned counseling aides.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands

• Maintain emotional and physical stability in order to work with parents and students on a variety of issues
• Work with frequent interruptions
• Occasional prolonged or irregular hours of work

Physical Demands

• Light lifting, light carrying, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, repetitive hand motions; frequent bending and stooping
• Prolonged use of computer

Environmental Demands 

• Normal office environment
• Occasional statewide and districtwide travel

The above statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to the job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

The Beaumont Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, or sex in the educational programs or activities that it operates and is an equal opportunity employer.