Best Practices, Case Management, Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, Crisis Intervention, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Skills, People Management, Physical Demands, Primary School, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Psychology, Risk, School Psychology, Special Needs, Team Player, Time Management
Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) ANTICIPATES an opening for a full-time Elementary School Counselor.
The Elementary School Counselor provides guidance and support to students in academic, social, and emotional development. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a positive school environment and help students navigate personal challenges. Responsibilities include individual and group counseling, conflict resolution, delivering SEL lessons to classrooms, developing intervention plans, active member of the ELMSS team, and promoting overall student well-being. The counselor also plays a key role in helping students set and achieve academic and personal goals while ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Essential Functions (primary tasks)
- Monitor students'' academic progress and provide interventions as needed.
- Support students with study skills, time management, and organization.
- Collaborate with teachers to address academic concerns.
- Provide counseling for students dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or personal issues.
- Mediate conflicts between students, teachers, and/or parents.
- Offer crisis intervention and connect students with mental health resources.
- Identify and support at-risk students
- Work with school psychologists to develop 504 plans and act as case manager for students
- Develop and implement school counseling programs that align with student needs.
- Deliver daily counseling lessons focused on social-emotional learning and academic success in alignment with the Wisconsin Comprehensive School Counseling Model to K-4 students.
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians about student progress and concerns.
- Participate in professional development and stay updated on best practices in school counseling
- Other duties as assigned.
The successful candidate will be familiar with the American Counseling Association Model, has experience with administering standardized assessments and can work with data, understands students' mental health issues, and works well in a team environment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit for extended periods while meeting with students, parents, and staff.
- Occasional lifting and carrying of materials (e.g., student files, presentation equipment) up to 20 lbs.
- Ability to verbally communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in group settings.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
For specific questions about the program, contact Amber Haluska, Director of Pupil Services, by email (amber.haluska@mapsedu.org) or Heather Kahr, Kate Goodrich Elementary School Principal, by email (heather.kahr@mapsedu.org).
Qualifications
- Master's degree in School Counseling, Education, Psychology, or a related field
- State certification/licensure as a School Counselor
- Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
- Understanding of youth mental health needs and resources
W
Wisconsin Association of School Personnel Administrators