Counselor- Elementary

Guidance and Counseling Services

Pay Grade: 841 (Min. $343.43 per day) Work Days: 194

Primary

Purpose:

Provide guidance and counseling services conducive to all students achieving their individual potential academically, socially, and emotionally.

Qualifications:

• Education/Certification:
  
  Master's Degree Guidance and Counseling
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or training
• Valid Texas counselor's certification

Special Knowledge/

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills
• Technology skills including Microsoft applications

Experience:

Two years of teaching experience

Major

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develop a written guidance plan in cooperation with principal and Director of Counseling and Student Services, outlining specific areas of responsibility, annual school guidance program goals, and activities for attaining goals
• Consult with teachers and other staff members to promote maximum learning in the classroom
• Coordinate all basic skills, aptitude, and achievement testing K-5 (6) and provide interpretation to parents and teachers
• Demonstrate skill in coaching staff and teachers, provide technical assistance to the instructional staff concerning counseling and guidance
• Teach and assist teachers to teach guidance units to help students in developing appropriate academic and personal/social skills
• Develop student improvement plans to assist students in developing their academic potential with teachers
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district and school policies for public school guidance and counseling
• Schedule guidance activities effectively and secure resources needed to accomplish goals
• Report to the principal on the status of performance and outcomes related to campus counseling
• Help the school and district develop policies and procedures to comply with federal and state laws concerning health and safety, including child abuse and neglect

• Promote a positive, caring climate for learning
• Deal consistently and equitably with all personnel
• Communicate and support expectations that are consistent with district objectives
• Deal sensitively and fairly with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Respond effectively to crisis situations

• Develop long-range and short-range plans for a complete guidance program for the students assigned based
• Collaborate with campus administration on crisis management planning

• Provide individual and group counseling for students with problems that affect the learning process
• Provide a peer support program for new and lonely students
• Participate with principal, teachers, and other support personnel to plan appropriate behavior management techniques for students
• Provide a program for successful transition of students from elementary to middle school
• Assist the principal and/or classroom teacher in implementing in-school suspension when needed
• Assist in determining proper placement of students, including placement of students in special programs
• Provide guidance and transition information to parents and students as students move from one grade to the next

• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible and serve as a role model for all district staff
• Disseminate ideas and information to other professionals; provide leadership in addressing the challenges facing the profession
• Develop professional skills appropriate to guidance and counseling
• Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of Plano ISD and follow directives from superiors
• Follow attendance policy as assigned by supervisor
• Perform other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or supervisor

• Communicate clearly the district's needs and programs to the parents and the community and respond to their concerns in a timely manner
• Refer parents to appropriate community resources
• Maintain and be aware of community resources, referrals, and other assistance available to students and families
• Take an active role in communicating the district's guidance program to the community
• Maintain a respectful, professional demeanor and communication style with students, parents and staff

• Supervise assigned counseling aide(s) and clerical employee(s)

Working Conditions:

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; coordinate district functions; maintain emotional control under stress

• Frequent district-wide and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours; frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions