School Counselor Leave Replacement Job Lacey area,Washington USA,Education / Teaching

Position: 2026-27 - 1.0 School Counselor - Chinook Middle School - Leave Replacement

Counselor

The school counselor works with the Principal in carrying out the school's guidance and counseling program. As a professional educator with a mental health perspective, the counselor, social worker or mental health counselor understands and responds to the challenges presented by today's diverse student population. The counselor, social worker or mental health counselor provides proactive leadership to engage all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to support the students' academic achievement, career preparation, personal, mental health, and social development.

The school counselor, social worker or mental health counselor may be assigned at the elementary, middle or high school level.

The District represents a diverse community. More than 50% of our students arrive with diverse backgrounds. We seek an individual who has successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities. The selected candidate must demonstrate a commitment to strengthening community engagement and communication with the District's diverse populations.

The employee works with a high level of independence and professional discretion under the general supervision of a designated school administrator. The employee's work is governed, controlled, and evaluated by acceptable professional practice, school and district policies and regulations, provisions of Washington Administrative Code and Revised Code of Washington, direction of the supervisor, and performance standards and expectations as set forth in the collective bargaining agreement.

The following duties and responsibilities may be included, but are not limited to:

Implements the district's counseling and intervention program and serves as a resource for building staff, administrators, and parents in working with students, creating a positive school climate, and helping students develop a positive self-concept. Consults with district administration and building staff with respect to development of the curriculum to meet the identified needs of the students. Participates or leads development of positive behavior support systems and development of intervention strategies.

At the elementary level, provides for early identification and intervention of students' academic and personal/social needs to help remove barriers to learning, promote academic achievement, and create a foundation for future success. Liaison with outside agencies for child safety and welfare. Attends IEP meetings if needed.

At the middle school level, provides a comprehensive developmental school counseling program to create a supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can cope with the passage from childhood to adolescence and achieve academic success. The middle school counselor helps students explore a variety of interests; connect their learning in the classroom to its practical application in life and work; adjust to high levels of activity coupled with frequent fatigue due to rapid growth;

search for their own unique identity as they begin turning more frequently to peers for ideas and affirmation.

At the high school level, assists students in the final transition into adulthood and the world of work as the students are beginning to separate from parents and explore and define their independence. Helps students evaluate their strengths, skills and abilities, explore career choices, and develop decision making skills. Provides programs and support to students as they face increased pressures regarding high risk behaviors.

High school counselor enhances the learning process and promotes academic achievement by helping students acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.

Provides school orientation to new students and plans for and assists students in grade level transition. Develops and manages both school and individual student schedules. Determines student placement and, at the secondary level, guides students in course selection. Coordinates the process for identification of students with educational handicaps and report these to the appropriate district personnel. Provides academic, vocational, and personal counseling to students.

Works directly with students to help them learn how to manage themselves, improve study and test-taking skills, organize information, make decisions, and deal with change. Guides and assists students in peer relationships and in developing effective coping skills necessary to refuse participation in substance abuse, physical violence, or other at-risk behaviors. Provides individual and small-group counseling to support peer mediation and crisis intervention.

Works as part of a cross-district counseling team to ensure implementation of American School Counseling Association standards in order to implement a comprehensive counseling and guidance plan.

Coordinates the effort necessary for the…