Elementary School Counselor for Special Education​/504

Special Education/504 Counselor

Position is at Emerson, Troy and Gilsum.

Purpose:

To work with students who have disabilities and special needs, focusing on their academic, social, and emotional development. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create individualized support plans, advocate for students' rights, and provide counseling services. The special education/504 counselor works with students in elementary, middle, or high school, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.

Supervisor:
Director of Counseling.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience with counseling. Experience with students with disabilities is preferred. Eligible for NH certification or OPLC license as a Social Worker or School Counselor. Master's Degree or higher.

Skills:

Excellent oral and written communication. Proficient with technology, including relevant software applications. Preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge:
Develop and implement IEP goals, 504 plans, and write progress reports. Ability to provide individual and group counseling. Communicate and collaborate effectively - be a team player. Advocate for students' rights and needs within the school and community. Assist with planning for post-secondary education, vocational training, and independent living. Assist in developing behavior intervention plans and provide support for students with challenging behaviors.

Collect data to monitor student needs. Encourage and support family involvement in their child's education.

Abilities:
Adapting to changing work priorities. Communicating with diverse groups and individuals. Collaborating and working as part of a team. Managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Essential Functions:

Counselors assist in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans, which outline a student's learning goals and the support services required to achieve them. They provide individual and group counseling to address students' emotional, social, and behavioral needs. Counselors work closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to coordinate support services and ensure effective communication among all parties involved.

They advocate for students' rights and needs within the school and community. For older students, counselors may provide guidance on planning for post-secondary education, vocational training, and independent living. They may assist in developing behavior intervention plans and provide support for students with challenging behaviors. Counselors may collect data on student progress and participate in assessments to monitor student needs.

They encourage and support family involvement in their child's education. Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

Working Environment:
The usual methods of performing the job of Special Education/504 Counselor may require the following physical demands:
Minimal amount(s) of: lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. Moderate amount(s) of: fine finger dexterity, repetitive motion(s), walking, bending/squatting. Significant amount(s) of: mental attention/focus, speaking, listening. Certification: NHED License as a School Counselor or Social Worker, or NH OPLC License as a Social Worker. MRSD is an EOE.