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 :

• Plan and implement the school guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs.
• Provide guidance and counseling to individuals and groups of students related to their personal needs.
• Provide guidance and counseling to students with disabilities as specified in their Individual Educational Plans.
• Guide students in learning new skills and concepts that have a positive impact on behavior by providing practice, reinforcement, assessment for understanding and feedback.
• Provide crisis counseling and / or consultation services.
• Teach the school developmental guidance curriculum in conjunction with teachers or through individual , group and / or classroom activities.
• Consult with parents, administrators, school personnel or students about educational, personal and social needs of students through conferences, phone calls and home visits.
• Use an effective referral process to work cooperatively with school, community and resource persons to assist students.
• Serve on campus committees that address student needs.
• Evaluate and compile data on referred students to determine eligibility for counseling as a related service.
• Compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other required documents in a timely and efficient manner.
• 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.
• Coordinate with staff and provide input regarding students to the Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee.
• Foster collaborative educational efforts among staff by supporting the district's philosophy and mission and its commitment to site-based shared decision-making.
• Keep the principal informed regarding the status of all projects or initiatives undertaken and of directives or requests received internally or externally.
• Use accepted theories and techniques appropriate to school counseling.
• Adhere to ethical and legal standards.
• Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
• 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