Position Type:
Buckingham Elementary School/Elementary School Counselor
Date Posted:
5/28/2025
Location:
Buckingham Elementary School
BUCKINGHAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: School Counselor
LOCATION: Elementary
REPORTS TO: Principal
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
APPROVED ON:
SUMMARY
Provides a comprehensive guidance and counseling program for students on the elementary level, and provides services to promote the social and emotional development as well as the academic and career development of each student. Consults with teachers, parents, and staff to enhance their effectiveness in helping students' educational, social, personal, and career development; provides appropriate support to the total school program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TYPICAL TASKS
The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains and respects the confidentiality of student and school personnel information, while maintaining the safety and welfare of all students and staff members
• Follows federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies regarding children's educational welfare
• Reports any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse
• Meets and instructs the students(s) in assigned locations and at the designed times
• Provides individual counseling to students who refer themselves or are referred by parents, teachers, or administrators
• Provides small group counseling as needed for all grade levels on developmental or problem-centered issues
• Designs coherent instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, current instructional practices, students, the community, and curriculum goals
• Prepares for classes assigned and shows evidence of lesson preparation upon request of the building administrator(s)
• Provides new student orientation and assists with adjustment problems/concerns as needed
• Consults regularly with administrators, teachers, and parents regarding the needs of students
• Attends Child Study meetings and offers suggestions for intervention plans, as appropriate
• Serves as a referral source to parents and students who need specialized services beyond those provided by the school
• Assists with providing mediation services for student conflicts
• Provides information and training for parents concerning parenting skills and to educate parents about available resources for handling family crises
• Consults with the teachers of students with whom the counselor is working regarding that student's needs and/or concerns
• Works in conjunction with teachers and the receiving counselors to prepare students for the transition to middle school
• Promotes effective public relations through communication with parents and community members about the counseling program and by offering opportunities for input and review of materials
• Submits and/or reviews referrals to the school psychologist, visiting teacher, and health organizations, as requested by the building administrator(s)
• Assists in referrals, in collaboration with the building administrator(s), and the psychologist, for specialized services beyond those provided by the school
• Participates in sessions with teachers and other personnel relative to individualizing instruction
• Confers with parents, in group or individual sessions, concerning the total school program as it relates to the educational, vocational, and personal development of their children;
• Maintains a positive discipline policy that fosters a safe and positive environment for all students and staff
• Ensures the adequate supervision of students
• Manages classroom procedures to maximize academic learning time during instruction
• Motivates students to achieve maximum potential
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Complies with and supports school and division regulations and policies
• Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities
• Performs related duties as assigned by the Principal in accordance with the school/division policies and practices

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of the educational process, elementary level, and special education principles, practices, and procedures; thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching and counseling elementary level students; thorough knowledge of school division rules, regulations, and procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior; ability to deliver articulate oral presentations and written reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, and parents.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and possess or be eligible to acquire appropriate license(s) and/or endorsement(s) for a position as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and School Board.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrated qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, staff, administrators, and parents are required. Must possess good moral character.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS
Frequent walking, standing, stooping, lifting, up to approximately 30 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment and/or materials weighing up to approximately 40 pounds may be required. Other limited physical activities are required. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, and hazards. Occasional travel with students on field trips may be necessary. Occasional movement of students by wheelchairs and other mechanical devices may be required. Regular contact with special needs children is necessary. Regular contact with staff members, school administrators, students, and members of the community is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Teacher pay scale, 10 months
EVALUATION
The Principal will evaluate performance on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.