Counselor, Elementary School

Position: 2026-2027 Counselor, Elementary School
PRIMARY

PURPOSE:

To plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive program of guidance, including counseling services to assigned school; use a planning process to define needs and priorities of populations served; provide a proactive developmental guidance program for all students to maximize personal growth and development; to promote a positive working relationship, among and between staff and the schools, by establishing a climate conducive to open communication and productive work

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Master's Degree, required

Texas Counselor's Certificate, required

Texas Teaching Certificate, required

Special Knowledge/

Skills:

Knowledge of counseling procedures; communicate effectively (verbal and written); utilize effective interpersonal skills; possess effective organizational and presentation skills; interpret data, federal and state laws and policies; basic computer skills

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience as a classroom teacher, required

Working Days: 190

Note:

Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

* Plan and implement the school guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs.

* Provide guidance and counseling to individuals and groups of students related to their personal needs.

* Provide guidance and counseling to students with disabilities as specified in their Individual Educational Plans.

* Guide students in learning new skills and concepts that have a positive impact on behavior by providing practice, reinforcement, assessment for understanding and feedback.

* Provide crisis counseling and/or consultation services.

* Teach the school developmental guidance curriculum in conjunction with teachers or through individual, group and/or classroom activities.

* Consult with parents, administrators, school personnel or students about educational, personal and social needs of students through conferences, phone calls and home visits.

* Use an effective referral process to work cooperatively with school, community and resource persons to assist students.

* Serve on campus committees that address student needs.

* Evaluate and compile data on referred students to determine eligibility for counseling as a related service.

* Compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other required documents in a timely and efficient manner.

* Pursue professional growth by participating in appropriate in-service opportunities and keep abreast of changes and developments in education as reflected in research, literature and best practice.

* Coordinate with staff and provide input regarding students to the Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee.

* Foster collaborative educational efforts among staff by supporting the district's philosophy and mission and its commitment to site-based shared decision-making.

* Keep the principal informed regarding the status of all projects or initiatives undertaken and of directives or requests received internally or externally.

* Use accepted theories and techniques appropriate to school counseling.

* Adhere to ethical and legal standards.

* Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.

* Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, copier, multimedia equipment

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress; coordinate projects; meet deadlines

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Frequent prolonged and irregular hours; frequent district wide and occasional state or national travel; occasional lifting and/or moving up to 45 pounds and over; assist in restraining students in a crisis situation