Job Description: Elementary School Counselor
Position Overview:
The Elementary School Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive counseling services to elementary school students in order to support their academic, social, emotional, and personal development. The counselor will work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment. This role requires a highly skilled professional who can effectively assess, guide, and support students' individual needs.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Conduct individual and group counseling sessions with elementary school students to address personal, social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
2. Provide crisis intervention and support to students experiencing difficult situations or traumatic events.
3. Collaborate with teachers and parents to develop and implement individualized intervention plans for students requiring additional support.
4. Deliver classroom guidance lessons on topics such as conflict resolution, bullying prevention, decision-making, and character development.
5. Administer and interpret various assessments to evaluate students' strengths, weaknesses, and needs.
6. Conduct parent consultations to discuss student progress, concerns, and strategies for support at home.
7. Collaborate with school staff to identify and address behavioral issues, attendance problems, and academic challenges.
8. Develop and maintain a comprehensive referral system to connect students and families with community resources and services.
9. Advise and assist students in setting academic and personal goals, and monitor their progress.
10. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss student progress and develop individualized education plans (IEPs) if necessary.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
1. Master's degree in School Counseling or a related field.
2. Valid state certification or licensure as a School Counselor.
3. Strong knowledge of child development, counseling theories, and evidence-based counseling interventions.
4. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.
5. Ability to establish rapport with students and create a supportive and trusting environment.
6. Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and the ability to respond effectively to emergency situations.
7. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and effectively manage multiple priorities.
8. Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to school counseling.
9. Proficiency in using technology and counseling software for record-keeping and data analysis.
10. Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated on best practices in school counseling.
Note: This job description is intended to convey essential job functions and requirements. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role.