Counselor, Elementary School - Continuing

Cheney Public School District 360 • Spokane, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Cheney Public Schools is a rapidly growing district serving approximately 5,500 students across 380 square miles, encompassing Cheney, Airway Heights, and surrounding rural and developing areas. The district is committed to high expectations and continuous progress for students, staff, and administration, providing a rich learning environment and extensive co-curricular programs with strong community support. Its mission is to guarantee a safe and caring environment where all students learn at high levels and graduate with options for post-secondary education, careers, and civic engagement. The district utilizes the PLC process and its Strategic Plan, which includes priorities like Student Safety, Student Well Being, Learning and Growth, Future Ready Outcomes, Exemplar School District, and Community and Facility Growth. School counselors in Cheney Public Schools are vital members of the school leadership team, working in highly collaborative teams to maximize student success, promote access and equity, and create a school culture of success for all. They design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes, leading, advocating, and collaborating to connect their programs to the school’s academic mission and improvement plan. Counselors uphold the ethical and professional standards of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) and develop programs based on the ASCA National Model (define, deliver, manage, and assess). Elementary school counselors are educators trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self-management, and social skills, implementing programs to support students through the elementary school period, with services reflecting the specific needs of students, schools, and families.

Requirements

• Valid Washington State ESA School Counselor Certificate
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and personal transportation
• WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance
• Knowledge of current trends in the field of counseling, including Comprehensive School Counseling Programs and the ASCA National Model
• Knowledge of current standards of practice from the ASCA
• Knowledge of OSPI rules and regulations regarding ESA school counselor certification, along with the OSPI Code of Professional Conduct and generally recognized professional practices
• Knowledgeable in the referral process to local substance abuse/treatment counseling and basic needs providers
• Knowledge of Section 504 and IDEA laws and responsibilities for school counselors
• Knowledge of student advocacy and its role in comprehensive school counseling programs
• Ability to follow ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors
• Ability to work as a team member with administration, teachers, and fellow counselors
• Ability to work collaboratively under the School Counseling Department Mission Statement
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both verbal and written communications
• Ability to use email to receive District communication
• Ability to utilize technology and software to complete duties and responsibilities
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress
• Ability to work with multiple deadlines and frequent interruptions
• Ability to work alone and in a team setting
• Ability to maintain good rapport with supervisors, colleagues, students, and the public
• Visual acuity and hearing for the delivery of assessment, intervention, and consultation services
• Experience in individual and group counseling
• Experience in individual student planning
• Experience in student scheduling and developing graduation plans
• Maintain valid Washington State ESA School Counselor Certificate
• Complete school safety training prior to deadline indicated within system and annually thereafter
• Attend designated trainings as specified by department director(s) and/or supervisor in order to maintain knowledge/skills
• Submit current/renewed certificates/licenses to Human Resources upon attaining

Responsibilities

• Provide education, prevention and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of students’ lives
• Teach knowledge, attitudes, and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development
• Provide a comprehensive range of services as described in the ASCA standards
• Promote student success, provide preventative services, and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career and personal/social development for all students
• Collaborate with teachers and parents on early identification and intervention of children’s academic and social/emotional needs
• Support students in applying academic achievement strategies
• Help students manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills
• Provide professional assistance and support to a single student and/or small group of students during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change, or other situations impeding student success
• Provide student social skills or other small group instruction, if needed
• Assess student abilities, interests, and achievements to support students as they plan for post-secondary options (higher education, military, work force)
• Assist in developing positive support plans and behavioral intervention plans
• Collaborate with others in developing social, academic, and/or functional interventions and supports for students
• Present school counseling classroom lessons based on student success standards
• Recognize and respond to student mental health needs and assist students and families seeking resources
• Provide short-term counseling to students
• Provide referrals for long-term support and to appropriate social service agencies based on student needs
• Collaborate with and share strategies to support student success and achievement with families, teachers, other educators, and community organizations
• Advocate for students at individual education plan meetings and other student-focused meetings
• Analyze data to identify student needs and challenges
• Advocate to improve equity and access, achievement and opportunities for all students
• Present to students, staff, and parent and community groups as needed
• Provide transitional services to students and parents
• Provide services to schools and families that enhance the competence and well-being of students, including the promotion of effective and safe learning environments, prevention and remediation of academic and behavioral problems, response to crises, and improvement of family/school collaboration
• Communicate student progress to students and families
• Track student progress toward graduation and maintain appropriate student records
• Register and provide transitional services to new students
• Organize and prioritize daily, weekly, and monthly schedules for timely work completion
• Collaborate with other counselors, staff, and district committees
• Participate in building-level intervention and special education meetings
• Actively participate in department meetings, staff meetings, and trainings
• Actively participate in district/building Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
• Provide professional development, as needed, on topics related to support of student needs, suicide prevention, reporting suspected child abuse, etc.
• Review programs to determine efficacy and recommend adjustments or changes to department administration, as requested
• Maintain highest degree of confidentiality, per FERPA guidelines
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Benefits

• Professional Development and Supply Allocation Funds: The District will provide annually $700 per FTE employee for reimbursement of 1) Classes, conferences and/or workshops; 2) Purchase of work related materials; 3) Certification Support
• New Certified Staff Funds: The District will provide a one-time $400 per FTE reimbursement to new employees with one year or less previous teaching experience to support initial classroom setup and supply needs
• Paid leave
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic life and AD&D insurance
• Retirement plan
• Deferred compensation (DRS and TSA)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level