Griffin School Counselor (.50 FTE)

Griffin School District•Olympia, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Counselor supports the academic, social-emotional, and career readiness of students in a TK–8 learning environment. Working collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners, the School Counselor provides preventive, responsive, and developmental services that promote student success, foster a positive school climate, and remove barriers to learning. The School Counselor supports the school’s implementation of multi-tiered systems of support and contributes to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment where every student is known, valued, and supported.

Requirements

Valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificate with School Counselor endorsement, or eligibility to obtain one prior to employment.
Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), trauma-informed practices, restorative practices, and effective strategies for supporting student well-being.
Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, and staff.
Ability to foster a positive, inclusive, and welcoming school culture.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Ability to analyze student data to identify needs and inform interventions.
Ability to facilitate classroom lessons, small groups, and individual student support.
Ability to respond effectively to crises while exercising sound professional judgment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional ethics.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Nice To Haves

Experience serving students in elementary and/or middle school settings.
Experience providing individual counseling, small-group interventions, and classroom instruction.
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and community agencies.
Familiarity with restorative practices and positive behavior support systems.

Responsibilities

Provide short-term individual counseling and crisis response for students experiencing academic, behavioral, social-emotional, or personal challenges.
Facilitate small-group counseling and skill-building groups based on identified student needs.
Conduct risk assessments, assist with safety planning, and coordinate appropriate interventions.
Refer students and families to community agencies and outside providers when additional services are needed.
Maintain appropriate records and confidentiality in accordance with state and federal law.
Support students in developing academic, organizational, self-advocacy, and goal-setting skills.
Assist students in planning for successful transitions between grade levels and from middle school to high school.
Promote career awareness and age-appropriate postsecondary readiness through classroom lessons and individual student support.
Monitor student progress and collaborate with staff to address barriers to learning.
Provide classroom instruction and activities that promote social-emotional learning, healthy relationships, conflict resolution, digital citizenship, bullying prevention, and other topics that support student well-being.
Promote a positive school culture by supporting initiatives related to attendance, belonging, student engagement, and restorative practices.
Participate in crisis response, threat assessment, and safety planning as appropriate.
Assist with schoolwide prevention and intervention efforts that foster safe and supportive learning environments.
Actively participate in and facilitate Student Support Team meetings.
Participate in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) processes.
Consult and collaborate with teachers regarding strategies to support student success.
Partner with families to address student needs and strengthen home-school connections.
Facilitate Section 504 meetings and collaborate with special education staff while maintaining the distinct role of the school counselor.
Coordinate services with community organizations and mental health providers when appropriate.
Use student data to identify needs, monitor progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of counseling services and student support plans.
Maintain professional competence through ongoing learning and participation in relevant professional development.
Demonstrate ethical decision-making, sound professional judgment, and confidentiality in all aspects of the position.
Support the District's mission, vision, strategic priorities, and commitment to equitable educational opportunities.
Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the responsibilities of the position.