Special Education Counselor

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 whom 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

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Assessment

• Assist in evaluating the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students and to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
• Review and interpret psychological evaluation reports and to help 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 student's IEP's 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 in assigned schools 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 which addresses the student needs. Required to complete 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 planning, and system support components.
• Adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards for school counselors including current professional standards of competence and practice.
• Document services in the data system (XLOGS) as proof that services were provided in accordance with students' IEP and for SHARS billing purposes.

Communication:

• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

Other:

• Regular Attendance
• Any other duties assigned by supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Work Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, Pushing/pulling, and twisting Motion: Frequent walking. Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular district wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting and carrying. Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Applicants for all positions are considered without regard to race, color, sex, (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status. Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminating employment practice.

The district Title IX Coordinator is Denise Williams, Director of Human Resources, 1104 Broad St., Wichita Falls, TX 76301 940-235-1012

Questions regarding posted positions should be addressed to Human Resources 940-235-1012.