GUIDANCE COUNSELOR - LONG TERM SUBSTITUTE - Wycallis Primary Center
Position Purpose
Elementary school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child development, learning strategies, self management and social skills, who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period. The program provides education, prevention and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development, which serve as the foundation for future success.
The work of elementary school counselors aligns with the school’s mission to support all students’ academic achievement as they prepare for the ever changing world of the 21st century. This alignment is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a school counseling program. The counselor must address students’ academic, career and social/emotional development using data informed decisions in order to have a positive impact on the overall growth of all students.
Essential Performance Responsibilities
Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with guidance services.
Coordinates with District Personnel the evaluation process for students identified as needing additional support.
Coordinates with District Personnel the evaluation process for students identified as showing a high aptitude for learning.
Serves as the LEA in the absence of the Building Principal for all special education meetings.
Serves as the coordinator of the building wide RTI process in order to address student needs, both academic and social/emotional.
Provides professional assistance and support to a student, or small group of students, during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change or other situations impeding student success.
Researches educational support resources, and coordinates with teachers, resource specialists, and business and community organizations for the purpose of providing information, and making recommendations.
Assists and consults with administrators in analyzing the school’s academic, attendance and discipline data to identify student needs and help direct the overall school guidance program.
Assists with the orientation for students and families who are new to the school regarding procedures and educational opportunities.
Assists with the identification of at-risk students and develops strategies to address the needs of the student in order to help them be successful.
Assists with the gathering of resources and community support agencies for students and families in need.
Serves as a ready resource to students to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
Coordinates with building personnel the dissemination of student records to receiving school districts, and requests from local agencies seeking student information.
Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent and The Director of Operations.
Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers/ Chromebook, printers, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of ASCA best practices in counseling for Pre-K to 2 students.
Knowledge of current trends in the area of Social and Emotional Learning and the ability to design and deliver lessons to students in all grade levels.
Knowledge of the RTI process and intervention strategies to assist with student growth.
Knowledge of current trends in developmental learning for Pre-K to 2 students.
Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
Ability to assess student abilities, interests and achievement to help them make decisions about their future.
Ability to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and assist students and families seeking resources.
Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
Ability to organize and coordinate work.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others within the context of their assigned tasks.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Must be able to sit or stand for 6-7 hours per day.
Must be able to navigate throughout the building to meet the needs of the students in all locations
Qualifications Profile
Education
Experience
Successful prior experience for the appropriate certification preferred.
FLSA Status: Exempt
