Elementary School Counselor

Job Summary

This position supports the academic success of all students by developing and managing a comprehensive school counseling program that is preventative in design and developmental in nature. The counselor plans, designs and implements a counseling program aligned with national, state, local standards and individual school needs, using the American School Counseling Association’s (ASCA) National Model as guidance. The role serves as a leader, advocate, collaborator, and agent of systemic change to enhance academic, career, and personal/social development for all students.

• We serve as trusted partners in education with our students, families, and community.
• We prepare our students to be critical thinkers, responsible digital citizens, innovators and visionaries, resilient individuals, and global collaborators.
• We commit to inclusive practices and equity with an expectation of excellence from every student and employee every day.

• Work collaboratively with stakeholders in Launching Thriving Futures, establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships.
• Plan, organize, and deliver a comprehensive counseling program based on developmental and individual student needs, in collaboration with building-level administrators.
• Develop written plans for effective delivery of services using state and local standards, school data, and individual student needs.
• Advocate for the elimination of barriers to access and ensure rigorous education for all students.
• Maintain current communication and appropriate resources for stakeholders.
• Apply legal and ethical standards of the school counselor role.
• Deliver counseling services through classroom instruction, interdisciplinary curriculum, group activities, individual or small group appraisal, counseling, crisis response, and peer facilitation.
• Collaborate with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and specialists to develop academic, career, and personal/social skills for all students.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to guide student achievement, and use this data to shape program needs and directions.
• Develop an effective referral and follow‑up process with in‑house support and outside agencies.
• Provide leadership, intervention, and support during crisis counseling as appropriate.
• Manage the counseling program using calendars, action plans, and management agreements.
• Devote at least 60% of time to direct student services; the remaining time to program management, system support, and accountability.
• Collaborate with parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure program implementation reflects school goals.
• Implement data‑driven action plans that align with school and counseling program goals, addressing gaps and monitoring student progress.
• Utilize data to perform yearly program audits to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Provide regular reports to administrators, teachers, and stakeholders.
• Monitor impact issues such as academic achievement, discipline referrals, attendance, and support related interventions.
• Complete other duties as assigned that align with ASCA recommendations.

• Education or Equivalency Requirements
  • Master’s Degree in School Counseling from an approved program.
• Work Experience Requirements
  • Minimum of 100 clock hours of practicum experience in one setting (PreK‑6 or 7‑12) and a 100‑hour internship in a different setting; for counselors without prior experience, internship at the elementary level is recommended.
• Certification and License Requirements
  • Meets Virginia certification requirements with endorsement as a school counselor.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors
  • Uphold ethical and professional counseling standards and support a program based on the ASCA National Model.

The counseling position is performed indoors in a standard office, classroom, or indoor environment. Functions are completed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions, though occasional noise, computer exposure, and crowded conditions may occur.