Elementary School Counselor

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Elementary School Counselor will provide counseling services individually and/or in groups for students in grades K-5 and their parents in the areas of educational and personal services. The counselor will also provide counseling that will help students overcome problems that impede learning and provide increased personal growth, self-understanding and maturity. This individual is responsible for assisting the school level mission to ensure all students receive high quality instruction in an aligned and coherent system while addressing their social and emotional needs in a safe and engaging environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Build a foundation of positive relationships, high expectations, equitable systems, and SEL-informed practices, which will drive daily practices and beliefs when working with students.
• Actively support a productive climate of collaboration in a professional learning community whereby the counselor analyzes student data, takes risks, shares successes/failures, and explores new practices in order to improve student learning for all.
• Through the equity lens, provide individual counseling and group guidance to help students cope effectively with personal, social, academic, and family concerns.
• Educate students about self-awareness and self-esteem; teach problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and supporting agencies concerning the needs and abilities of students.
• Update and maintain confidential student records, including cumulative transcripts and student files.
• Implement an effective program of educational and career planning.
• Provide orientation to new students and staff.
• Confer with parents at school and/or home whenever necessary.
• Facilitate parent/teacher conferences.
• Provide group guidance activities within the classroom setting.
• Collaborate with teachers to present school counseling core curriculum lessons.
• Attend and assist when necessary with school events such as musical programs, athletics, student recognition ceremonies, and open house.
• Provide counseling to students who are tardy or absent; conduct home visits to address student attendance issues.
• Provide counseling to students who have disciplinary problems.
• Become familiar with support systems in our community that provides support for families in crisis.
• Assist in the orientation of new staff and provide in-service training in guidance for teachers and student teachers.
• Advise administrators and staff on the matters of student progress and personal problems affecting achievement.
• Utilize appropriate school district services and coordinate with community agencies as needed.
• Take an active role in interpreting the school’s guidance/counseling objectives to students, parents, and the community at large.
• Organize, administer, and interpret needs’ assessment surveys and achievement testing; interpret cognitive, aptitude, and achievement tests.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with staff, administrators, parents/legal guardians, support groups, and community members.
• Perform other tasks assigned by the administration.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the designated Building Administrator

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Valid Professional Education Staff Associate Certificate for the State of Washington with Counseling endorsement.
• Experience working with community agencies.
• Prior counseling experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district.
• Advocate for equity, inclusion and professional practices that ensure all students achieve at high levels.
• Knowledge of SEL practices and approaches.
• Ability to establish rapport with students, colleagues, administration, staff and community members/agencies.
• Commitment and ability to work with a full range of students.
• Skill in student management, student discipline and developing positive techniques for improving student behavior.
• Must possess a positive attitude about change and an eagerness to implement changes that will enhance student learning.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive effective working relationships with a variety of students, staff, and community in a multicultural, and diverse socio-economic setting.
• Ability to participate collaboratively in teams.
• Ability to continue participation in staff development to maintain professional skills.
• Ability to serve as a role model and treat students as individuals in a professional manner.

Licenses/Special Requirements

• Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.
• Must be willing to acquire and maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Completed Employment Application/ Background Check.
• Must complete Walla Walla Public Schools Risk Management and Bloodborne Pathogens Training upon hire.

PAY LEVEL

Walla Walla Public Schools Teachers Salary Schedule; Retirement, SEBB Benefits, Paid Sick Leave

CONDITIONS

The preceding list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

The Walla Walla School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Walla Walla School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For information regarding translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact (509) 527-3000. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator

Title IX Coordinator

Dr. Mindy Meyer, Director of HR

364 S. Park Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362

(509) 527-3000

mmeyer@wwps.org

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Barb Casey, Director of Special Education

364 S. Park Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362

(509) 527-3000

bcasey@wwps.org