Job Title: School Counselor (Special Education Focus)
Job Description:
The School Counselor (Special Education Focus) will play a crucial role in supporting and guiding students with special education needs within an educational setting. The primary responsibility of this position is to provide counseling services that address the academic, personal, social, and emotional needs of students with special education requirements. The School Counselor will collaborate closely with teachers, parents/guardians, and other professionals to ensure the holistic development and success of students.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to support students with special education needs in overcoming personal, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
2. Develop and implement comprehensive counseling plans tailored to each student's unique requirements.
3. Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents/guardians to assess students' individual strengths, weaknesses, and development areas.
4. Monitor and evaluate students' progress, and make necessary adjustments to counseling strategies to ensure the best outcomes.
5. Provide guidance to students in developing effective study skills, time management techniques, and strategies for self-advocacy.
6. Support students in setting goals and making informed decisions related to their academic and personal lives.
7. Assist in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans for students with special education needs.
8. Conduct crisis intervention and provide appropriate support to students facing emergency situations or experiencing emotional distress.
9. Collaborate with teachers and school staff to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for students with special education requirements.
10. Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling sessions, assessments, and student progress.
11. Stay updated with the latest research, best practices, and legal requirements related to special education and counseling.
Qualifications and Skills:
1. Master's degree in Special Education, School Counseling, or a related field.
2. State certification or licensure as a School Counselor or equivalent.
3. Proven experience working with students with special education needs in a counseling or educational capacity.
4. In-depth knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
5. Strong understanding of various disabilities and their impact on academic and social-emotional development.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust with students, parents/guardians, and colleagues.
7. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective counseling strategies tailored to individual students' needs.
8. Proficiency in conducting assessments, interpreting data, and using the results to inform counseling interventions.
9. Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including teachers, administrators, and related service providers.
10. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
11. Ethical conduct and the ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive student information.
Note: This job description outlines the primary responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the School Counselor (Special Education Focus) role. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change based on the needs of the educational institution and students.