Special Education Counselor

JOB TITLE: Special Education Counselor

HOUR STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of SPED

PAY GRADE: AP3/192 Days

DEPT./SCHOOL: Special Education

DATE REVISED: 06/2026

The Special Education Counselor provides direct and consultative counseling services to students receiving special education services who have social, emotional, behavioral, physical, or transitional needs that may impact their educational experience. This role involves collaboration with school staff, families, and external support agencies to create a supportive and inclusive environment that addresses the individual needs of students with disabilities.

• Education: Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related mental health field
• Certification: Valid Texas counseling certificate or licensure (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMSW, or school counselor certification)
• Experience: Practicum or internship experience in school or clinical settings; experience providing counseling services to children or adolescents with disabilities; experience with ARD/IEP processes and team collaboration preferred
• Skills and Qualities: Deep understanding of emotional/behavioral disabilities and the impact on functioning; familiarity with IEP processes, transition planning, and related services under IDEA; strong skills in therapeutic counseling techniques and behavioral interventions; excellent collaboration, communication, and documentation skills; ability to consult with multidisciplinary teams, families, and external providers

• Provide one-on-one and group counseling to students in a variety of settings including special education and general education classrooms
• Deliver classroom-based and push-in support focused on social skills, self-regulation, emotional awareness, and coping strategies
• Facilitate responsive services for students exhibiting emotional distress or behavioral needs
• Coach students in crisis or conflict situations using trauma-informed, supportive practices
• Provide peer mediated groups with identified students, as well as social skills training in the BSC per ARD or BSC request

• Work directly with special education and general education teachers to ensure students’ support needs are understood and met
• Collaborate with related service providers (OT, PT, SLP, school psychologists) for holistic planning
• Assist teams in understanding and implementing interventions and accommodations
• Advocate for student needs and effective practices within IEP and staffing meetings

• Support families in understanding the special education process and their rights under IDEA
• Serve as a liaison between school and home to improve communication and consistency
• Guide families in implementing effective strategies at home to support their child’s development
• Refer families to community agencies, mental health resources, and other external supports

• Conduct counseling evaluations using appropriate assessment tools
• Prepare clear and thorough evaluation reports and Counseling IEP goals
• Present evaluation findings and service recommendations to ARD committees
• Observe students and provide data-based input on social/emotional functioning

• Respond promptly and appropriately to emotional or behavioral crises
• Develop and implement crisis intervention and safety plans in collaboration with staff and families
• Support students and staff post-crisis to re-establish a safe and productive environment
• Maintain relevant certifications such as Handle With Care and TBSI

• Maintain accurate, confidential, and data-driven documentation
• Follow all district, state, and federal guidelines for related services and ethical counseling practices
• Participate in ARD meetings, staffings, and professional learning communities
• Attend continuing education and professional development activities to improve service delivery
• Complete other duties as assigned

Ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate sensitive situations, and maintain composure under stress

• Full-time position,…