School Counselor - Elementary

School Counselor - Elementary

The school counselor supports the academic success of all students by the development and management of a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program that is preventative in design and developmental in nature, encompassing both the ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors and the VDOE School Counseling standards, and that is in alignment with national, state, local standards and individual school's needs.

Thorough knowledge of the curriculum, instruction, and counseling/guidance theory and practice. Knowledge of group dynamics and small group processes. Knowledge of K-12 child development. Knowledge of cultural awareness theories and culturally responsive practices. Knowledge of the ASCA Model. Working knowledge of K-12 instructional programs, promotion and retention requirements, Virginia Standards of Learning, Profile of a Virginia Graduate, standardized testing and procedures and interpretation of scores, gifted and special education programs.

Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal standards (including, but not limited to, FERPA, IDEA, McKinney-Vento Act, ESL, and other state and federal mandates concerning student rights and confidentiality). Skills to function as leaders, advocates, collaborators and agents of systemic change in support of all students' needs. Skills to develop, review, and periodically update the Academic and Career Plan Portfolios (ACPP) in accordance with students' post-graduation educational and occupational goals.

Counseling skills must include problem identification/analysis skills and basic therapy resolution. Communication skills, both oral and written, must be highly developed to meet the diverse needs of the clientele, professional staff, and other community agencies. Ability to run individual and group counseling sessions and design core curriculum lessons based on assessed needs. Ability to organize, deliver, manage and evaluate services using the American School Counseling Association's (ASCA) National Model as the guide.

Provide services to students in the areas of academics, attendance, personal/social/peer relationships, and career development. Conduct individual, small, and large group guidance sessions. Assist students in conflict resolution. Conduct classroom guidance activities. Expose students to career exploration and interest inventories (e.g., Major Clarity, Workplace Readiness Skills, etc.). Conduct individual student academic program planning. Assist with the academic program planning of students transitioning to the next school.

Prepare reports, records, lists and all other required information and data. Enroll/withdraw students, communicating with other schools and maintaining appropriate documentation, as required. Maintain and update student cumulative folders. Interpret student records. Assist with student course selection and placement. Inform students of all options available to them (e.g., AP, DE, Virtual Virginia, etc.) for course selection. Maintain a variety of files/records as well as supplementary and reference materials.

Provide for the student's orientation to the school and its offerings. Assist in the identification of students with special needs. Participate in SST/RTI/VTSS, Child Study and 504 meetings. Refer students to intervention/remediation programs, as well as, academic and alternative programs to ensure academic success and personal well-being. Inform students of extracurricular activities and sports that are available. Participate in design and implementation of behavior modification programs for students (e.g., FBA, BIP).

Promote effective public relations through outreach and participation in community activities. Initiate student programs. Communicate with parents, individually or in group sessions, regularly regarding opportunities and/or information related to school activities/events. Refer students to appropriate school personnel and community agencies. Encourage teacher/parent communication and community involvement. Participate in parent/teacher conferences. Explain and interpret division-wide policies/goals/objectives, test data, and/or student records that impact students…