School Counselor Grades K-2

Overview

The School Counselor serves as a vital member of the educational team, supporting the academic, social-emotional, career awareness, and behavioral development of students in grades Kindergarten through Second Grade. The counselor implements a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with Ohio law, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce School Counselor Standards, and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. The counselor collaborates with students, families, staff, and community agencies to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that promotes student success.

Responsibilities

Student Services

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to support students' academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development.
• Deliver classroom guidance lessons aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards for Social and Emotional Learning and school counseling standards.
• Assist students in developing age-appropriate self-awareness, self-management, relationship, and decision-making skills.
• Support student transitions into kindergarten and between grade levels.
• Monitor student attendance, behavior, and academic concerns and provide appropriate interventions.
• Participate in the development and implementation of behavior support plans as needed.

Consultation and Collaboration

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, intervention teams, and support staff to identify and address student needs.
• Serve as a resource to staff regarding child development, social-emotional learning, and student well-being.
• Consult with parents and guardians regarding student concerns and available supports.
• Participate in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), and other student support teams.
• Coordinate with outside agencies and community resources when appropriate.

Crisis Prevention and Response

• Assist in the identification and support of students experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, or family-related challenges.
• Participate in crisis response, threat assessment, and safety planning as directed by district procedures and Ohio law.
• Provide support following school or community crises and traumatic events.
• Make referrals to mental health providers and community agencies when appropriate.

Program Management

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program.
• Maintain appropriate student records and documentation in accordance with district policy, Ohio law, and confidentiality requirements.
• Analyze student data to identify trends and support continuous program improvement.
• Participate in professional development and maintain current knowledge of counseling practices, legal requirements, and educational trends.
• Support district initiatives related to student wellness, attendance, and school climate.

Compliance and Ethical Responsibilities

• Adhere to all applicable federal and state laws, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce requirements, district policies, and professional ethical standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information except as required by law or district policy.
• Fulfill mandatory reporting obligations regarding suspected child abuse, neglect, or threats to student safety.
• Serve as the school's 504 case manager, facilitating annual meetings, plan development, annual reviews, and ongoing stakeholder communication.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Valid Ohio School Counselor License issued by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
• Master's degree in School Counseling or a related counseling field from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of child development, social-emotional learning, and elementary counseling practices.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, staff, and community agencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as an elementary school counselor.
• Experience implementing comprehensive school counseling programs.
• Training in trauma-informed practices, restorative practices, or behavioral intervention strategies.
• Experience working within MTSS and PBIS frameworks.

Physical Demands

• Ability to move throughout the school building and grounds regularly.
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to work at student-level seating and engage in age-appropriate activities.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and technology.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.
• Ability to respond promptly during emergencies or crisis situations.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in a school environment serving students in grades Kindergarten through Second Grade.
• Regular interaction with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• May experience exposure to emotionally challenging situations involving student and family needs.
• Work may require flexibility in scheduling to attend meetings, family conferences, and professional development activities.
• Subject to…