School Counselor, Elementary, Bilingual

Job Title

For the 2026-27 school year

Full time position

Posting Period:
Open until filled

Fair Labor Standards Act Status:
Exempt

We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation.

Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

Résumés should include education, relevant experience (including current position), and skills which highlight the qualifications of the position to which a person is applying.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

Qualifications:

• Valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate School Counseling Certificate
• Master's degree preferred from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Willingness to participate in professional development courses aligned with the school and district initiatives, and stay current with research-based practices
• Advanced level proficiency in Spanish language on ACTFL written and oral assessments
• Experience working effectively with diverse groups of teachers, students, and parents
• Experience designing, conducting, and teaching social-emotional lessons
• Experience conducting small groups grounded in research based practices but designed for the needs of students
• Experience providing individual student planning and responsive services
• Experience using student management and data analysis software
• Strong understanding (through coursework/experience) of issues relating to poverty, gang affiliation, and substance abuse
• Preferred specific training in drug and alcohol intervention, anger management strategies, peer mediation, peer helper and character education programs
• Interest and commitment to Restorative Practices and Positive Behavior Intervention Support
• Ability to collaborate effectively with community agencies and organizations to obtain support and resources
• Preferred specific training in developing positive relationships and conflict resolution Must be fully Bilingual (read, write and communicate) in Spanish

Essential Functions:

• Create, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program based on the Washington State Comprehensive School Counselor and Guidance Program Model
• Work to build relationships and establish trust (with students, parents and staff) by maintaining a visible presence within the school
• Teach the social-emotional skills students need to promote academic and career prerequisite foundations for future success
• Participate in school-based team meetings aimed at providing students responsive supports (e.g. 504 Team, Student Support team, Core team)
• Work directly with student and staff in all levels of behavior support including planning and crisis intervention
• Work directly within the student information system to develop and manage both school and individual student schedules
• Design, conduct, and teach school counseling curriculum, SEL, and classroom guidance
• Provide planned, short-term and goal-focused counseling services to students
• Work as the primary case manager for Section 504 evaluations and plans which include managing student and data files and engaging in ongoing communication with other staff, as is necessary, to ensure 504 compliance
• Work as the primary case manager for building Student Support teams
• Provide support and assistance to students and families as they navigate crisis and emergency situations
• Utilize de-escalation strategies with agitated students to promote the safety of students and staff
• Participate in individual behavioral planning, documentation and intervention, as needed (behavior plans, manifestation determinations, threat assessment, and crisis intervention)
• Work directly with students to assist them in developing effective coping skills necessary to refuse participation in gang affiliation/activity and substance abuse
• Uses student disputes and misbehaviors as opportunities to authentically engage students in developing and practicing anger management strategies, problem-solving skills, and restorative outcomes
• Maintain necessary data for purposes of analyzing student progress and program effectiveness
• Actively engage students in using technology in individual and collaborative learning activities
• Work collaboratively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance and hours of operation as set by the assigned…