K-8 School Counselor

School Counselor – College, Career & Student Supports (Grades K–8)

Position Type: Full-Time, Licensed

Reports To: Building Principal

Position Summary

The School Counselor – College, Career & Student Supports serves as a licensed and endorsed member of the school leadership team, responsible for delivering a comprehensive school counseling program aligned to Iowa Department of Education requirements. This role supports career exploration and CTE pathway awareness beginning in grades 5–6, provides Tier 2 and Tier 3 social-emotional and behavioral interventions, coaches teachers in effective classroom management practices, and collaborates with administrators to strengthen school culture, student engagement, and behavioral outcomes.

The counselor works within an MTSS framework and partners with families, staff, and community agencies to ensure students are academically prepared, socially supported, and future-focused.

Essential ResponsibilitiesCollege, Career, and CTE Pathway Development

• Design and deliver developmentally appropriate career awareness and exploration programming beginning in grades 5–6, aligned with Iowa CTE pathway expectations.
• Facilitate whole-group lessons and activities related to career exploration, postsecondary readiness, and goal setting.
• Assist in the delivery of sensitive or developmentally appropriate health education lessons, in collaboration with administrators and instructional staff, and in accordance with district curriculum, state standards, and parent notification requirements.
• Collaborate with administrators and teachers to integrate career awareness into advisory, SEL, and core instruction where appropriate.
• Support student transitions between grade bands and into future academic and career pathways.

Student Support & Intervention (Tier 2 / Tier 3)

• Provide individual and small-group counseling for students demonstrating social-emotional, behavioral, or attendance-related needs.
• Participate in MTSS, PBIS, and problem-solving teams, supporting data-informed interventions.
• Assist with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and fidelity of implementation, as appropriate to licensure.
• Support students experiencing prolonged dysregulation, chronic absenteeism, or repeated behavioral challenges.
• Make appropriate referrals and coordinate services with external agencies when needs exceed school-based supports.

Instructional & Classroom Support

• Coach and support teachers in classroom management strategies, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior supports.
• Deliver professional learning for staff related to student behavior, SEL, and effective intervention strategies.
• Serve as a consultative partner to teachers and administrators regarding student behavior and engagement.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as an active member of the school leadership team, contributing to school-wide culture, climate, and systems planning.
• Collaborate with administrators on attendance, discipline trends, and student support planning.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, interventions, and support strategies.
• Build partnerships with community organizations and mental health providers to expand student support networks.

Program Management & Professional Practice

• Develop, implement, and evaluate the school counseling program in alignment with state standards and best practices.
• Maintain accurate documentation and student records using the school’s student information system.
• Adhere to ethical standards and professional guidelines established by state and national school counseling organizations.
• Participate in ongoing professional learning and maintain licensure and endorsement requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in School Counseling.
• Valid Iowa Professional Service License with appropriate School Counselor endorsement (or ability to obtain).
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• Experience working with elementary and/or middle school students preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-based, student-centered environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting MTSS, PBIS, or behavioral intervention systems.
• Experience delivering Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
• Familiarity with career exploration or CTE-aligned programming at the middle school level.
• Experience coaching teachers or delivering professional development.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to work indoors in a school setting.
• Ability to engage in standing, walking, sitting, and light lifting as required in a school environment.
• Attendance and punctuality consistent with certified staff expectations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

Pay: From $53,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person