K-8 School Counselor

Guidance Counselor

Under the general supervision of the Director of Pupil Services, to provide students, parents, administrators, and other teaching staff with individually-tailored advice and consultation to overcome personal, emotional, familial, or social issues to maximize the students' learning experience.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Performs casework services with students and parents to encourage parental understanding of, and participation in, overcoming social issues to maximize the educational experience of the student.
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' behavior management plans.
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.
• Assists with the school district's dropout prevention efforts.
• Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Assists in the orientation of new teachers and provides in-service training in social-emotional learning.

Additional Duties:

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements:

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Social Work principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven behavior management methods.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Works in standard office and school building environments.

Qualifications Profile:

• Certification/License:
  Illinois State Certification as a Guidance Counselor
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
• Education:
  
  Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment. Completed Degree in Guidance Counseling
• FLSA Status:
  Exempt