JOB SUMMARY:
The Elementary School Counselor supports students' academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development. They provide individual and group counseling, coordinate school-wide programs that promote a positive school climate, and collaborate with teachers, families, and community partners to meet student needs. The counselor helps implement school-based interventions, supports students during transitions, and promotes equity and inclusion through responsive services. This position requires strong communication skills, empathy, and a solid understanding of child development and school counseling practices.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of: specific curriculum content for subject area, child and adolescent behavior, counseling techniques, and child and adolescent development. Skilled in: lesson plan development, implementation of learning activities, behavior management, assessment, and teaching to individual student skill levels. Ability to: communicate orally and in writing and use technology to support counseling work.
Experience: Experience preferred but not required.
Education: Completion of a higher education Master's degree in education/counseling/teaching.
Certification Required: A valid personnel service school counselor license issued by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist students with personal problems affecting their education.
• Identify and address special needs.
• Provide information regarding alternatives, probable consequences and decision-making skills
• Refer students/parents appropriately.
• Advise teachers and administrators of special situations and problems as appropriate.
• Work with students, parents, teachers and administrators to find positive solutions to problems that interfere with scholastic success.
• Encourage and reinforce positive efforts of students directed at self-improvement through development of goals and action plans.
• Work with appropriate social service agencies to meet specific student needs.
• Assist students, parents, teachers and administrators in finding reasonable compromises when crises arise.
• Participate as appropriate in district programs, i.e., IMPACT, testing committee, etc.
• Encourage students to work toward the realization of their potential.
• Assist students in developing human relationship skills.
• Address the special needs of "at-risk" students.
• Provide group counseling options when appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality as required by law.
• Coordinate the district testing program for the building.
• Assist with registration, orientation and placement of students.
• Interpret student records to students, parents and staff.
• Confer with parents concerning student progress.
• Maintain student records as directed by state standards and local district policy.
• Assist in the interpretation of test results to students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Participate in the special education process according to district guidelines.
• Refer students for guidance services as appropriate.
• Support and provide career guidance activities.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and workshops as appropriate to ensure professional growth and development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Assist with kindergarten screening/registration.
• Assist with middle school orientation.
• Conduct playground and classroom observations.
• Administer tests as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Language Skills: Ability to read English and comprehend complex technical language. Ability to write memoranda, correspondence, lessons plans, reports, and student achievement summaries in English. Ability to effectively present information in one-to-one and small group situations.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations with a high degree of accuracy.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense to carry out detailed, but basic, written or oral instructions in English. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to work collaboratively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisor(s), staff, students, parents and community.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and may be continuously required to stand. The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk while performing the duties of this job. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Works in a school environment. Able to use a telephone, operate a computer, and use other office equipment. Able to drive to other program sites and meetings.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary and work year in accordance with negotiated agreement between licensed teachers and the district.
CLASSIFICATION:
Full-time, probationary position, at Joan Austin Elementary School.
CALENDAR/BENEFITS:
Work Hours:
8 hours per day; Contract days and start date TBD based on upcoming licensed contract negotiations of 2025-2026 contract.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary range TBD based on upcoming licensed contract negotiations of 2025-2026 contract. (2024-2025 salary range $48,741 - $100,225).
Newberg Public Schools pays 6% PERS contribution, eligible for health insurance benefits of other licensed educators in the district, prorated at 85% of the maximum insurance benefit, provides a generous insurance cap, long-term disability and life insurance. Optional Life, AD&D insurance, Short Term Disability, Tax Shelter Annuities, Section 125 health and dependent care accounts, Tuition Reimbursement, Professional Development and Employee Assistance Program through Canopy are available to all staff. Coaching opportunities are also available.
The information contained in this job description for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this or similar. Positions and additional duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job may be made. Newberg Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Actively Seeks Minority Applicants. The District complies with Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Requirements Applicants who best meet the requirements of the position will be invited for an interview.