Special Education Counselor

Job Description

Job Title: Special Education Counselor

Reports To: Executive Director of Special Programs

Dept. /School: Campus(s) Assigned

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Pay Grade/Days: Instructional 3/192 Days

Date Revised: 06/28/2024

Primary

Purpose:

Perform professional psychological work in behavior management, and counseling for students with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Address the psychological and psycho-educational needs of students referred to and who qualify for special education services.

Qualifications:

Education / Certification: Master’s degree in counseling;
Licensed Professional Counseling (or equivalent) or Licensed Marriage and Family Counseling;
Valid Texas School Counselor Certificate Preferred.

Special Knowledge /

Skills:

Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions;
Knowledge of psycho-social development;
Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents and students;
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills;
Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior;
Ability to present information in one‑on‑one, small group and large group situations to students, parents and district staff.

Experience: Two years experience in providing psychology services in an educational setting.

Assessment

• Assist in evaluating the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students and determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
• Review and interpret psychological evaluation reports and assist in development of behavioral plans.
• Participate in the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with appropriate placement and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to district procedures.
• Serve as case manager and assist in the development and implementation of students’ IEPs on assigned campuses and caseloads.

Consultation

• Conduct group, individual and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.
• Serve as consultant on mental health topics for instructors in the school health program.
• Consult with school staff regarding implementation of behavior intervention plans and in managing behaviorally disruptive students.
• Provide staff development training to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of students with emotional, social and behavioral disturbances.
• Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and recommended interventions.
• Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
• Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed.
• Coordinate school, home and community resources and refer students, parents and others to special education programs and services as needed.

Program Management

• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results and statistical data.
• Complete Admission Review & Dismissal (ARD) paperwork such as writing goals, Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance (PLAAFPs) statements and progress reports. All paperwork must be completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Prepare for, attend, and share information with ARD committee during meetings.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the areas of psychological services.
• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Plan, implement, evaluate, and promote continuous improvement of a balanced comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program that includes guidance curriculum, responsive services, individual…