School Counselor

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT: Encanto Learning Center
TYPE: Certified STATUS: Exempt SALARY Range : (Starting at $50,132 - $53,892) DOE, recognize up to 5 years experience, 9 month position, Full Benefit Package)
REPORTS TO: Building Principal WORK CALENDAR: 191.5 DAYS START DATE: October 2024
DEFINITION : Under limited supervision, ensures students have access to the resources necessary for academic and social development. By utilizing leadership, advocacy and collaboration, school counselors promote student success, provide preventative services and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that address academic, and social development for students for Somerton Elementary School District.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class).
TASKS :
Works with students on an individual basis in the solution of personal problems related to home and family relations, health and emotional adjustment.
Works with parents to increase the parents' understanding, their constructive participation in resolving their child's problems, and their knowledge and use of appropriate resources.
Provides programs and instruction for students in the area of mental well-being, drug/alcohol/tobacco use, character education, conflict resolution, violence prevention, etc.
Advises administrators and faculty on matters of student discipline and identifies "at risk" students.
Takes an active role in interpreting the school's objectives to students, parents, and the community at large.
Consults and collaborates with other school personnel in gathering and giving information on a case, and in establishing and planning for respective roles in modification of the students' behavior.
Serves as a liaison between home and school and advocates on behalf of the student and/or his/her family. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students.
Serves as a liaison between the school and such public health and social service agencies on occasions to work with or for the schools.
Provides group sessions with students who have ineffective social skills, excessive fears and anxieties.
Adhere to and support board policy, school guidelines, administrative rules and directives.
Submit required reports promptly and accurately and makes home visits as appropriate.
Identify cultural, ethnic, financial, physical and emotional challenges which might be negatively impacting students' success and provide support to mitigate barriers.
Communicates effectively with students, professional staff, parents and community in a positive manner.
Consults with school administrator, faculty and other personnel.
Works cooperatively with the staff to provide information concerning student needs.
Conferences with students, teachers, parents, and other relevant individuals concerning grades and works together for improvement.
Provides guidance to individuals and groups of students to develop education, career and personal plans.
Provide school-to-career guidance activities using all resources available.
Uses computer to access data regarding schedules, assessment/achievement, transcripts, demographics, family contacts and performs related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS :
Knowledge of the Somerton Elementary School District rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing counseling services.
Knowledge of applicable Federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of age/subject appropriate educational materials, curriculum standards, classroom discipline and behavioral management methods.
Knowledge of principles of confidential and regulatory school records and files management practices.
Knowledge of appropriate counseling techniques for individuals as well as groups.
Knowledge of student discipline regulations, guidelines and techniques.
Skill in restraining out-of-control students and implementing behavioral modification programs.
Skill in implementing educational curriculum, standards and licensing requirements for assigned program.
Skill in written and oral communications.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments. Work requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting and/or carrying up to 30 pounds. May be required to restrain students with behavioral problems. May be exposed to infectious diseases and body fluid borne pathogens.
QUALIFICATIONS : Master's degree from an approved institution. Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain Arizona State Department School Counselor certification. At least three years of successful counseling and teaching experience preferred. Additional certifications may also be required as specified by the District
Depending on the needs of the District, some incumbents in this class must be able to demonstrate fluency in both English and Spanish as a condition of employment.