Elementary School Counselor Job Sterling area,Illinois USA,Education / Teaching

Position Type:
Student Support Services/School Counselor

Date Posted:
4/16/2026

Location:
Highland Elementary School

Date Available:
08/01/2026

District:
Meridian CUSD #223
MERIDIAN COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 223

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Position Title:
Professional School Counselor

Reports to:
Building Administration

Mission Statement of District:

To instruct and assist students to be self-directed learners, collaborative workers, complex thinkers, quality producers and community contributors.

Qualifications:

Valid and properly registered Professional Educator License, issued by the Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, with appropriate endorsements(s) for specific teaching assignment

Evidence of physical fitness and freedom from communicable disease

Successful completion of criminal background check

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Possess effective oral and written communication skills
Able to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions
Physically and emotionally able to perform job responsibilities
Skilled in the use of office computer equipment, related software applications, and other standard office machines
Able to gather data, compile information, prepare reports and use to improve performance
Able to make procedural decisions and judgments
Able to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
Able to attend to detail
Able to perform multiple concurrent tasks
Able to set goals and establish methods for achieving these goals
Knowledge in content area and accompanying pedagogy
Knowledge of resources available to best support personal and student growth

Responsibilities and Duties:

Implement the District's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
Create an environment conducive to learning and student growth and appropriate to the academic, physical, social and emotional development of students.
Establish and maintain high standards and expectations for academic performance and student behavior needed to achieve a positive learning atmosphere in the classroom.
Establish effective and professional rapport with students and parents/guardians that earns their respect.
Motivate students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for learning in accordance with each student's ability.
Meet and instruct assigned classes/student(s) in the location and at the time designated and complete duties in a timely manner.
Make adequate preparation for individual, small group, and/or classroom instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student
Select and requisition instructional aids and equipment
Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals by:
- Establishing and communicating clear objectives to students.
- Gathering information and data about students to improve school performance.
- Monitoring student progress to inform instruction. Consistently assesses student achievement through formal and informal testing.
- Asking effective and appropriate questions to deepen student reflection, allowing them to make connections, and critically think.
- Creating a school culture reflecting high expectations and the importance of learning.
- Keeping students engaged to the task at hand consistently.
- Designing coherent SEL instruction by coordinating knowledge of content, students, and resources.
- Participating actively in a Professional Learning Community with colleagues by:
  - Attending staff meetings and in-service meetings as required.
  - Creating, sharing, and analyzing data with team or departmental colleagues.
  - Actively engage in district, building, and team-level committees and participate in district/building initiatives.
  - Participating in curriculum development programs and in the selection of materials and equipment to support instruction.
- Report suspected child abuse/neglect cases as required by statute and board policy and notify immediately appropriate personal of evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids.
- Work cooperatively with other school personnel in the identification, diagnosis, referral and remediation of individual students with specialized needs, assessing and helping students solve health, attitude, and learning problems.
- Attend IEP and 504 meetings as needed.
- Meet with students, parent/guardians, administrators, and/or consultants.
- Create a stimulating, attractive, organized, functional, healthy, effective and safe office space with proper attention to the visual, acoustic, and thermal environments.
- Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents/guardians, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
- Develop career planning and workplace readiness skills in all students.
- Use technology, information, and other tools.
- Use critical…