LR School Board Identified Job Description (Elementary)
K-6 Elementary School Counselors
DESCRIPTION: The position of elementary school counselor is to provide counseling services to all students. These services are designed to help the students succeed emotionally, socially and academically. This total development of the student should ensure they will be happy and productive citizens.
Reports to: Elementary School Principal
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Implement the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Curriculum at the elementary level.
Guide and counsel groups and individual students through the development of educational and career plans.
Counsel small groups and individual students with problems.
Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students.
Refer students with severe problems to appropriate community resources in consultation with their parents.
Participate in, coordinate or conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.
Evaluate and revise the building guidance program.
Pursue professional growth.
Key Duties
Implement the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Curriculum at the elementary level: Conduct guidance learning activities in the classroom as planned in conjunction with school administration and teachers; consult with and/or be a resource person for teachers to facilitate the infusion of guidance learning activities into the regular education curricula.
Guide and counsel groups and individual students through the development of educational and career plans: Provide orientation activities for students new to the school; participate in orientation programs for parents and students; assist students in the transitions from elementary to middle school; inform students and their parents of test results and their implication for educational planning; provide resources and information to assist in career awareness and career exploration activities.
Counsel small groups and individual students with problems: Conduct structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions to meet the identified needs of individuals or groups of students. Session topics at the elementary level may include self-awareness, self-identity, academic problems, behavior problems, peer problems, family issues, child abuse and/or substance abuse.
Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students: Participate in staffings; conduct in-service programs for faculty; conduct and facilitate conferences with teachers, students and parents; conduct or provide opportunities for parent education programs; assist families with school related problems.
Refer students with severe problems to appropriate community resources in consultation with their parents: Consult and coordinate with in-district and community agencies, such as nurses, administrators, community-based psychologists, service agencies and physicians.
Participate in, coordinate or conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school: Interpret group test results to faculty and staff; establish effective liaisons with all grade levels; act as an advocate for students as appropriate in conjunction with other staff; assist other school staff in the placement of students with special needs in appropriate programs such as gifted education and/or special education; participate with the administration and faculty as a team member in the implementation of the state/district testing program.
Evaluate and revise the building guidance program: Review periodically with staff and administration the guidance program using the Internal Improvement Review; review and modify the program calendar and evaluate guidance learning activities.
Pursue professional growth: Attend state and local staff development programs; join professional associations (MSCA, ASCA, MVA, AACD, etc); read professional journals; attend relevant workshops and conferences sponsored by professional organizations; take post-graduate courses.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor(s).