Elementary Counselor

Job Title: Elementary Counselor

Supervisor: Elementary Principal

FTE: 1.0

The Elementary Counselor helps students overcome problems that impede learning. The counselor works with students, families, and staff to address issues that interfere with student learning.

Essential Job Functions:

• The counselor's primary function will be to provide individual, group and family counseling in accordance with the minimum generic standards of the Washington Administrative Codes which apply to counselors (WAC 180-79-130,170,180); and in compliance with the American Personnel and Guidance Association's code of ethics.
• Helps each student and his/her parents become aware of the curriculum alternatives open to the student.
• Participates in parent conferences pertaining to academic, attendance or behavioral concerns.
• Helps students make appropriate choices at school.
• Helps the student cope constructively with the demands of the educational environment .
• Together with the student's family and the school staff help the student develop interests and appropriate social behaviors, and basic competencies.
• Works with students on an individual basis in the solution of personal problems related to such problems as home and family relations, peer relations, school performance, health and emotional development.
• Coordinates school standardized testing program and assists students and parents evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data.
• Performs liaison service between parents, teachers, students and outside agencies whenever this assistance is appropriate.
• Works with teachers and other staff members to familiarize them with the general range of student's services offered by the school district and community.
• Assists in preparation of schedules and computerized grade reports.
• Oversee development of student class schedules. Manage transition of students from grade level to grade level and from one school to another.
• Evaluates student educational progress and counsels with students and parents on student needs.
• Takes an active role in promoting programs and policies which will improve the educational climate and opportunities within the school.
• Coordinates and processes special program referrals.

Other Job Functions:

• Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as the principal may assign which do not conflict to a great degree with the counselor's primary responsibilities.

Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience

• Valid Washington State ESA Counselor Certificate.
• Experience working in a school district as a counselor.

Preferred Education and Experience

Required Skills, Knowledge and or Abilities

• Knowledge of counseling theories and skills, group dynamics, and small group processes.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of ASCA Model.
• Knowledge of K-12 instructional programs.
• Demonstrates considerable knowledge of FERPA, IDEA, McKinney-Vento Act, ESL and laws concerning student rights and confidentiality, as well as, other state and federal mandates.
• Working knowledge of student database systems.
• Thorough knowledge of standardized testing and procedures, and interpretation of scores.
• Working knowledge of gifted and special education programs.
• Knowledge of promotion and retention requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills.
• Ability to work with administrators, colleagues, central office, staff, students, parents, and community.

Physical Demands

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following conditions:

• Significant: (i.e. sitting, talking, hearing, walking, vision, color vision, peripheral/depth perception, ability to adjust focus, grasping, handling paperwork, repetitive motion, use of personal computer, looking at a computer monitor, lifting up to 10 pounds)
• Frequent: (i.e. standing, bending, carrying; use of phone; use of copy machine)
• Occasional: (i.e. driving, lifting over 10 pounds up to 45 pounds, reaching above the shoulder, use of fax machine)

Significant - Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Frequent - Occupation requires this activity from 33% to 66% of time (2.5 to 5.5+ hrs/day)

Occasional - Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of time (0 to 2.5+ hrs/day)

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, the scope of responsibilities, and the physical demands, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

Kittitas School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator: Tim Praino, Superintendent (509) 955-3120 tim_praino@ksd403.org; Title IX Coordinator: Brady Widner, Athletic Director, (509)955-3140 , brady_widner@ksd403.org; Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Jenny LaFrenier, Elementary Principal/Special Services, (509) 955-3120, jenny_lafrenier@ksd403.org.