Purpose Statement

The job of Counselor-Elementary was established for the purpose/s of implementing the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Program.   The four primary strands are:   1) Guidance Curriculum  2) Individual Planning  3) Responsive Services  4) System Support.     More  specifically,  activities  within  these  strands  include:  provide  individual  and  group  counseling  to  students; implementing  guidance  curriculum through classroom presentation, support student academic achievement; providing support during a crisis; work with community agencies; and partner with parents, teachers, support staff and the community.

  This job reports to Principal

Essential Functions

•   Assists in helping students referred for testing for the purpose of of determining appropriate placement and eligibility for specialized services.

•   Collaborates with admistration, faculty, staff, students and families  for the purpose of supporting and/or solving educational and socio-emotional issues.

•   Consistent interaction with student for the purpose of educating students.

•   Coordinates with teachers, school personnel, resource specialists and/or coummunity  (e.g. service clubs, courts, child protective services, etc.) for the purpose of providing/receiving requested information and/or making recommendations.

•   Develops a variety of special programs (e.g. transition meetings, Internet safety, academic success) for the purpose of to assist student’s education and socio-emotional needs.

•   Monitors students' progress for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success.

•   Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. workshops, committees, community groups, etc.) for the purpose of gathering and sharing information related to job assignment.

•   Performs individual and group counseling and guidance functions and activities (e.g. academic success, career investigation, social- emotional) ) for the purpose of enhancing student success.

•   Prepares  a  wide  variety  of  materials  (e.g.  504  reports,  student  activities,  correspondence,  audits,  etc.)  for the purpose of documenting activities, and/or conveying information.

•   Presents information to a variety of staff, students and families for the purpose of communicating information that will aid them in the student’s educational and socio-emotional development.

•   Researches program eligibility requirements (e.g. 504, Homeless, Operation School Bell, BackSnack) for the purpose of providing up-to-date, accurate counsel to students and parents.

•   Supervises assigned programs (e.g. academic success, peer counseling, etc) for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall curriculum objectives.

Other Functions

•   Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the Guidance program and school.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

  Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.  Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; preparing and maintaining accurate records; planning and managing projects; and using pertinent software applications.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: stages of child development; codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; community resources; and treatment modalities and assessment.

ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing a variety of complex processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.  Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.    Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives;  and problem solving with equipment is limited.  Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget.  Utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact  the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing.  The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment.

 Experience

Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired.

Education

Masters degree in job related area.

Equivalency

None Specified

Required Testing

Praxis II

Continuing Educ. / Training

None Specified

Certificates & Licenses

Missouri School Counseling Certificate

Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status

Approval Date

Salary Grade