Elementary Counselor (26-27 School Year)

Abilene USD 435•Abilene, KS

About The Position

Abilene Public Schools (USD #435), Abilene, KS, is currently seeking an Qualifications A valid KS Teaching Certificate or the ability to obtain one with appropriate endorsement(s) A master’s degree in school counseling or currently working toward degree. A demonstrated philosophy that all students can and will learn. Excellent attendance record Excellent communication skills oral and written Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Best Instructional Practices Positive interpersonal skills Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience. Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education. This individual will exhibit skills pertinent to foster positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with students, staff, parents and the community A willingness and demonstrated abilities conducive to a continuous quest for quality education. Reports to: Building Principal Work Schedule: 189 Day Contract Responsibilities Plan and teach classroom lessons on topics related to emotional regulation, friendship skills, problem-solving and conflict resolution, district adopted Boy’s Town 16 essential social skills, and USD 435 core values: respect, cooperation, accountability, integrity, and perseverance. Develop morning meeting lessons for classroom teacher use to expand above topics Provide individual and small group counseling related to anxiety, anger, grief, family changes, peer conflict or bullying, low self-esteem, attention concerns, or behavior concerns. Help foster students’ self-esteem and increase social emotional skills and strategies Support students and parents with school engagement and attendance Understand and develop cooperative relationships with a diverse student population Plan and participate in parent engagement activities Participate in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Student Improvement Teams (SIT meetings) Support students and staff in management Conduct risk assessments Support students involving trauma or major life changes Implement useful diagnostic and progress measures for social emotional skills Help write and implement behavior intervention plans for students in the SIT process (Student Intervention Team) Work closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff Maintain open lines of communication and consult with parents/guardians regarding student needs Work alongside mental health liaison to provide appropriate mental health supports Ensure confidentiality of student and school information is maintained Model a professional and positive attitude in all interactions with students, staff, and parents Advocate for student emotional needs Actively contribute to a positive school climate Engage in professional growth activities through ongoing professional learning and training Work collaboratively to achieve the overall purpose of the school’s program and support the District’s vision, aims and goals How To Apply You must complete the entire online application to be considered for a position. Providing a resume, and additional attachments are optional. Please also provide complete reference information for each reference including name, address, phone and email address. Equal Employment Opportunity Aligned with the mission of the Abilene Public Schools is the commitment to educational equity for all students, staff, and patrons of the school system. In all places and in all activities of the Abilene Public Schools, it is expected that every individual will be treated in a fair and equitable manner. All conduct will reflect a belief in the dignity and value of each person regardless of the individual's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, citizenship status, or economic status.

Requirements

A valid KS Teaching Certificate or the ability to obtain one with appropriate endorsement(s)
A master’s degree in school counseling or currently working toward degree.
A demonstrated philosophy that all students can and will learn.
Excellent attendance record
Excellent communication skills oral and written
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Best Instructional Practices
Positive interpersonal skills
Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience.
Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education.
This individual will exhibit skills pertinent to foster positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with students, staff, parents and the community
A willingness and demonstrated abilities conducive to a continuous quest for quality education.

Responsibilities

Plan and teach classroom lessons on topics related to emotional regulation, friendship skills, problem-solving and conflict resolution, district adopted Boy’s Town 16 essential social skills, and USD 435 core values: respect, cooperation, accountability, integrity, and perseverance.
Develop morning meeting lessons for classroom teacher use to expand above topics
Provide individual and small group counseling related to anxiety, anger, grief, family changes, peer conflict or bullying, low self-esteem, attention concerns, or behavior concerns.
Help foster students’ self-esteem and increase social emotional skills and strategies
Support students and parents with school engagement and attendance
Understand and develop cooperative relationships with a diverse student population
Plan and participate in parent engagement activities
Participate in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Student Improvement Teams (SIT meetings)
Support students and staff in management
Conduct risk assessments
Support students involving trauma or major life changes
Implement useful diagnostic and progress measures for social emotional skills
Help write and implement behavior intervention plans for students in the SIT process (Student Intervention Team)
Work closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff
Maintain open lines of communication and consult with parents/guardians regarding student needs
Work alongside mental health liaison to provide appropriate mental health supports
Ensure confidentiality of student and school information is maintained
Model a professional and positive attitude in all interactions with students, staff, and parents
Advocate for student emotional needs
Actively contribute to a positive school climate
Engage in professional growth activities through ongoing professional learning and training
Work collaboratively to achieve the overall purpose of the school’s program and support the District’s vision, aims and goals