School Counselor (26-27 School Year)

Fowler Elementary School District

Job Title: SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Classification: Certified

Salary: Certified Salary Schedule

Description: The School Counselor helps students adjust academically, socially, and emotionally to a school environment. He/she is responsible for providing intervention strategies and programs to the administration and staff that reduces behavior issues and student absences while increasing academics success and creating a positive school experience for all students.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree School Guidance and Counseling program
• Master’s degree in a School Guidance and Counseling program is desired
• Arizona Guidance Counselor Certification
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License is required
• Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Experience with diverse student populations
• Knowledge of child development
• Knowledge of behavior management strategies and techniques
• Must be capable of developing effective behavior management programs
• Knowledge of conflict resolution and problem solving techniques
• Knowledge of District policies, procedures, organizational structure and school requirements
• Strong knowledge of the English language including reading, writing and oral communication with extensive skills in spelling, punctuation and grammar
• Knowledge of Spanish including reading, writing and oral communication is desired
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with students, parents, staff and administration
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
• Must be capable of working under pressure and dealing with several assignments concurrently regarding a variety of issues
• Knowledge of technology including computers (Word, Excel), copiers, fax machines and other applicable office equipment
• Must be an energetic, highly ethical and possess good emotional and physical health
• Optional flexible work hours to perform necessary duties
• Experience as a school counselor is preferred

Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Governing Board or the Superintendent may deem appropriate

Essential Duties and Requirements:

• Assist with establishing a welcoming school climate and culture for all students, parents, and visitors
• Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with the principal, school personnel, students and parents
• Establish and maintain a well-known presence on campus by exhibiting positive interaction with students and staff
• Collaborate with school personnel and parents to identify at-risk students
• Screen and evaluate students referred for prevention or crisis interventions. and provide appropriate interventions and assistance
• Observe behavior of students both in out of the classroom
• Review attendance and truancy records to identify students who have excessive absences and tardies and develop and implement programs and/or interventions to increase student attendance
• Make home visits to discuss issues that may identify cause(s) for student’s non-attendance
• Inform parents of Federal and State attendance law and policies
• Identify and provide information regarding community resources that support needs of students and their families
• Participate in the Child Study Team process
• Plan, present or facilitate parent and/or student presentations regarding behavior, attendance, academics, positive interpersonal relationships, internet usage; etc.
• Plan, present or facilitate staff inservices regarding issues affecting students educational progress; such as, strategies for student behavior management, academic achievement, positive reinforcement, violence prevention, conflict resolution, anti-bullying strategies, etc.
• Continually assist the administration, staff and parents with resources regarding strategies and techniques to enhance student success on and off campus
• When appropriate, work with the staff and administration to develop and implement a school-wide discipline program including, prevention and a reward system for positive behavior
• Explore and contact businesses for the purpose of obtaining donations for incentives for students
• Assist teachers and school staff in providing strategies for improved student success
• Plan and facilitate Peer Mediation by training student mediators and educating and instructing the student body and staff regarding the uses and effectiveness of the program
• Provide individual counseling sessions and support groups for students who exhibit problems with behavior, academics, peer relationships, home, attendance, etc.
• As requested, plan and teach learning activities in the classroom regarding behavior, peer relationships, anti-bully strategies, decision making, etc
• In consultation with parents, refer students with severe problems to appropriate community agencies
• Share in the responsibility of reviewing records of incoming students and attend multidisciplinary conferences as required.
• Recommend referrals to outside agencies as needed
• Assist the administration with contacting appropriate authorities for students who exhibit immediate and potential danger to self or others
• Maintain appropriate student records, data and documentation on services provided to students
• Use data to monitor individual student’s grades or behavior referrals to assess and evaluate the progress of each student receiving on-site or off campus counseling and adjust strategies or programs a needed
• Assist the administration and staff to determine consequences for inappropriate student behavior and, if appropriate contact parents regarding concerns
• Plan and implement orientation activities for students and parents new to the school
• Assist the administration and staff with creating a smooth transition for all incoming 5th grade students into the middle schools and 8th grade students into high school
• Assist staff with Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Assist families with school related problems
• Keep open communication with school nurse, district Special Education Director and district psychologist
• Participate in district sponsored professional development workshops/inservices, attend professional meetings, read professional journals and publications, etc. for continued professional development
• Maintain strict confidentiality and use appropriate discretion when working with all district personnel and student and family records and/or information
• Support and follow the rules, regulations and policies set by the School Board, the assigned school and the District
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Governing School Board, the Principal or his/her designee

Length of Employment:

• Nine (9) months
• School calendar will determine the days worked during the school year

Reports to: School Principal

Evaluation: Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board Policy GCO