JOB TITLE:  

Elementary School Counselor

QUALIFICATIONS

• Psychological examiner certification preferred.
• Meet all legal requirements established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for an Elementary Counselor's certificate.
• Successful experience in education, with a minimum of two years as a classroom teacher
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board of Education may find appropriate.

REPORTS TO:

Building Principal and Director of Student Services

JOB GOAL:

To implement a comprehensive guidance program for the students in grades K-5 that includes a guidance curriculum, individual planning, responsive services and system support.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Implement the elementary guidance curriculum.
• Conduct guidance learning activities in the classroom as planned with the input of the school administration and teachers.
• Act as a resource person for the teachers to assist with the implementation of the guidance learning activities into the regular classroom curriculum
2. Introduce students to the concept of career awareness and exploration.
• Help students to know and understand themselves and their unique qualities
• Inform students and help them to realize the importance of and the role education plays in any future career that they may choose.
• Provide resources and information to assist in career awareness and career exploration activities.
3. Counsel small groups and individual students with problems.
• Conduct counseling sessions to meet the needs of groups or individual students.  Topics for these sessions may include peer problems, family issues, child abuse, behavior problems, substance abuse, academic problems, self identity and awareness.
• Act as an advocate for students in conjunction with the other staff as appropriate.
4. Coordinate, conduct, or participate in activities which contribute to the effective operation of the school.
• Interpret group test results to the faculty and staff.
• Assist in the placement of students with social needs in the appropriate programs.  (i.e. special education, gifted, learning disabilities, 504 plans, etc.).
• Participate as a team member in the implementation of the district testing program.
5. Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students.
• Participate in staffings.
• Conduct inservice programs for faculty and staff
• Conduct and participate in conferences with teachers, students, and parents.
• Assist families with school related problems.
6. Refer students with severe problems to the appropriate community agencies in consultation with their parents and administration.
• Consult with school personnel such as school psychologists, nurses and administration.
• Consult with the community agencies such as mental health agencies, physicians and service agencies.
7. Develop public relations programs in the community.
• Use local newspapers and other media to inform the community of guidance programs being implemented.
• Make presentations to community organizations that exemplifies the goals and accomplishments of the guidance program when called upon to do so.
8. Evaluate and revise the building guidance program.
• Review with the staff and administration the guidance program.
• Evaluate the guidance learning activities.
• Review and revise the guidance calendar to meet the needs of the school guidance program.
9. Pursue professional growth.
• Attend state and local staff development programs.
• Join professional organizations (MSCA, AACD, etc.).
• Read current professional journals.
• Attend relevant workshops and conferences sponsored by professional organizations.
• Continue education by taking post graduate courses.
10. Assume such other duties as assigned by supervisor or administrative personnel.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary, work day, and year to be established by the Board of Education.  Counselors will be employed five additional days beyond the normal teaching contract year.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated utilizing a performance based system according to Board of Education Policy for certificated personnel.