Middle School Student Support Counselor

Job Title: Middle School Student Support Counselor
Reports to: Principal/Director of Social & Emotional Services
Dept./School: Campus Assigned
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Pay Grade/Days: Teacher Pay Scale/205 days
Date Revised: 02/21/2022
Primary Purpose :
Under the direction of the Campus Principal and the Director of Social & Emotional Services, plan and coordinate student intervention and counseling programs designed to assist students in developing their skills to their full potential and provide in-school supports for students with mental health and behavioral needs or concerns.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
A master's degree in guidance and counseling
Texas Licensed Professional Counselor or LPC-Intern
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Thorough knowledge of counseling strategies and practices
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
Experience:
Three years counseling experience preferred
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Program Management:

• Provide individual and/or group counseling for students having trouble with normal developmental tasks, behavioral expectations, social experiences, and other needs as they arise.
• Refer students for specialized or more intensive, regular services to outside agencies, observing district protocols.
• Provide support for students returning to school from mental health, disciplinary, or other alternative placements.
• Coordinate with campus administration to facilitate counseling and behavioral interventions to reduce disciplinary actions and placements for students.
• Coordinate with the Student Support Team to facilitate interventions or identify strategies that can remove barriers to student success.
• Recognize shifting cognitive and emotional needs of students in order to address social and emotional learning needs on campus.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the Student Support programs and services on the campus and adjust program to changing SEL, mental health, and behavioral needs of students.
• Coordinate activities that foster bully prevention, the social and emotional well-being of students, and other awareness campaigns.
• Provide consultation to school administrators, teachers, staff, students, and parents regarding the social and emotional needs of students.
• Help teachers incorporate SEL strategies and techniques into their classrooms.
• Provide training to campus staff on SEL, trauma-informed classrooms, and other social and mental health related issues.
• Prepare and deliver guidance lessons to students that help develop life skills, promote good character, and develop resilience.
• Work with school personnel and community agencies to obtain resources for students.
• Use an effective referral process to help students and others use special programs and services.

Consultation:

• Help students and others use special programs and services.
• Develop relationships with other guidance and counseling staff.
• Promote WFISD programs to students, parents, administrators, counselors, teachers, and the community.
• Recruit and collaborate with community agencies as a resource to meet student, parent, campus, and district needs.
• Serve on the District Crisis Team and Campus Threat Assessment Team.

Assessment:

• Participate in planning and evaluation of behavioral and/or mental health assessments.
• Consult with other providers on assessment results and student needs after placements or evaluations (with proper approvals).

Administration:

• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and board policy in the guidance and counseling area.
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents.

Professional:

• Model behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
• Participate in professional development to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Attend professional workshops and staff development opportunities.
• Attend district PLCs, department, and professional develop meetings, as required.
• Regular attendance.
• Other duties Assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise any assigned student aides and clerical employees.
Provide input to campus principal regarding evaluations of clerical employees.
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain control under stress. Frequent prolonged and irregular hours. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other equipment. Frequent districtwide travel.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Applicants for all positions are considered without regard to race, color, sex, (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status. Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminating employment practice.
The district Title IX Coordinator is Dayna Hardaway, Director of Human Resources, 1104 Broad St., Wichita Falls, TX 76301 940-235-1012
Questions regarding posted positions should be addressed to human resources 940-235-1012.