Special Education Counselor Job Campus Illinois USA,Education / Teaching

Primary

Purpose:

Plan and provide counseling services to special education students who demonstrate an educational need. Evaluate students and provide therapeutic interventions to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with student's ability to derive benefit from the educational program

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master's Degree from an accredited university
Valid Texas licensure in a mental health field or valid Texas Counseling certificate with Special Education endorsement

Special Knowledge/

Skills:

Knowledge of the needs of students who have emotional/physical disabilities, including general knowledge of curriculum and instructional adaptations necessary to meet those needs
Childhood and adolescent development; mental health; emotional disturbances; human behavior; substance use and abuse; counseling strategies and techniques, cognitive development

Experience:

Practicum fieldwork and/or internship in a school setting
Practicum fieldwork and/or internship in counseling supervised by a licensed professional
Experience working with children or adolescents in a mental health setting

Major

Responsibilities and Duties:

Preparation and Planning

Standard for Behavior / Professional Conduct

Follow ethical guidelines of licensing entity when providing counseling services to a variety of students in different environments
Follow the policies and procedures outlined by TEA for the provision of Special Education counseling services
Conduct self in a professional manner to resolve conflicts that may be perceived to occur between TEA policies, local guidelines and the ethical guidelines for Special Education Counselor
Protect the student's right of confidentiality and limit information to other professionals working with the student
Follow policies and procedures in the District's Employee Handbook
Conduct counseling evaluations in a thorough and timely manner, accessing relevant sources of information and providing for optimal student performance
Prepare thorough and understandable evaluation reports and counseling IEPs
Orally communicate results of evaluation to ARD/IEP Committee members in an effective manner, including provision of suggestions for students who do not qualify for special services

Consultation with Professionals

Consult other professionals prior to ARD/IEP meeting concerning the student's goals and objectives, and amount and method of delivery of services, including outside agencies when necessary
Support General Education counselors with students that have severe educational / emotional / behavioral needs
Make recommendations concerning intervention strategies to enhance student success in the school setting
Provide consultation to teachers, administrators and school staff concerning academic / emotional / behavioral needs of student

Crisis Intervention

Assess seriousness of student threat to self or others and intervene according to the district's emergency notification plan
Respond quickly and appropriately in crisis situations
When appropriate, consult with school professionals, parents and outside agencies in developing crisis intervention plans for students
Directly counsel with students in crisis when necessary and appropriate
Provide appropriate follow-up to students who have been in crisis

Professional Growth and Development

Attend team meetings and take responsibility within the group
Attend staff development and professional continuing education trainings to improve counseling skills
Be willing to share new knowledge gained from conferences and one's area of expertise

Family Consultation and Counseling

Provide counseling services to a variety of different students in different environments
Provide referral options to student's parents upon request
Provide consultation to parents concerning academic/emotional/behavioral needs of student

Professional Staff Relationship

Relations with Administrative and Supervisory Staff