School Counselor, East Valley Middle School, 1.0 FTE Continuing

East Valley School District 361•Spokane Valley, WA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction and supervision of the principal or designee, the counselor will work as a team member with school staff, parents, and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby students can achieve academic and social success. Counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals, and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the community.

Requirements

Valid Washington State teaching certificate, no later than the first contracted day of the 2023/2024 school year, with appropriate endorsements as required by law and regulations.
School Counselor endorsement required.
Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance.
Valid Washington State driver’s license or evidence of mobility.
Proof of Immunization (if born 1/1/57 or later).
I9 Employment Eligibility in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Completion of all district required training within thirty (30) calendar days from hire date.

Nice To Haves

Successful experience as a secondary school counselor.
Knowledge of current trends in the field of counseling, including Comprehensive School Counseling Programs and the ASCA National Model.
Knowledge in Section 504 and IDEA laws and responsibilities for school counselors.
Knowledge of state tests (SBAC).
Successful experience finding scholarships for students.
Demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of current educational developments and has the ability to implement a variety of instructional methodologies.
Ability to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the instructional/learning process and effective teaching strategies.
Flexible in learning new concepts, cooperates with others, and adapts to a variety of assignments and conditions.
Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written communication.
Ability to handle confidential matters and information in a professional manner.
Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with district staff to enhance the completion of assigned tasks.
Demonstrates classroom management procedures by establishing clear parameters for student behavior; responds in a consistent, proportionate, and respectful way when student behavior occurs; and helps students take an active role in monitoring their own behavior.
Enthusiastic and displays an overall optimism and motivation toward teaching and student learning.
Sets and attains a high level of expectations with a commitment to using available resources in a way that accomplishment occurs.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of students, colleagues, parents, and administrators.
Demonstrated collaborative and collegial practices to promote a culture of professional inquiry in professional learning communities.
Demonstrated interest to participate in school events, district projects, and community events.
Demonstrates personal characteristics of flexibility, high-stress tolerance, reliability, punctuality, dependability, and an ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to maintain high standards of professionalism and diplomacy in dealing with the public and district staff.
Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work independently within the parameters of the job to organize, set priorities, meet deadlines, make sound decisions, attention to detail, and follow through on a variety of assigned tasks, without the need for constant supervision.

Responsibilities

Provide counseling services for students individually and/or in groups.
Consult with individuals (parents, staff, and students) to recommend approaches/programs to meet the educational, psychological, and social needs of students.
Develop and deliver informational presentations to classrooms and at parent nights.
Foster connections with elementary and high school counselors and staff to strengthen transitions for students.
Demonstrates understanding and ability to implement a trauma-informed learning environment where the needs of the whole child are accounted for in classroom design.
Communicate with administration/staff regarding high-risk students and referrals to outside agencies, alternative pathway programs, etc.
Collaborate with other counselors, staff, and district committees.
Assist with state and district assessments.
Responsible for promoting PACE Character Education.
Provide social and academic guidance for students under his/her direction.
Promote the district’s educational goals through parent conferences and related activities.
Counsel, confer, and communicate with parents and school district personnel regarding student progress.
Observe and evaluate students’ performance.
Maintain appropriate student records.
Manage student behavior by invoking approved disciplinary procedures.
Maintain and promote one’s own personal professional growth through appropriate coursework, workshops, reading of professional materials, etc.
Know current state and district graduation requirements and be able to advise students toward meeting them.
Follow the ASCA Ethical Standards for school counselors and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
The employee shall maintain a consistent presence at the assigned work site(s) and work the regular work hours specified by the contract.
Professionally interact with colleagues, members of the public, and students.
Comply with and uphold all district policies and all applicable laws.
Fulfill other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.