School Counselor (26-27 School Year)

Fowler Elementary District•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The School Counselor helps students adjust academically, socially, and emotionally to a school environment. He/she is responsible for providing intervention strategies and programs to the administration and staff that reduces behavior issues and student absences while increasing academics success and creating a positive school experience for all students.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree School Guidance and Counseling program
Arizona Guidance Counselor Certification
Valid Arizona Driver’s License is required
Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card
Experience with diverse student populations
Knowledge of child development
Knowledge of behavior management strategies and techniques
Must be capable of developing effective behavior management programs
Knowledge of conflict resolution and problem solving techniques
Knowledge of District policies, procedures, organizational structure and school requirements
Strong knowledge of the English language including reading, writing and oral communication with extensive skills in spelling, punctuation and grammar
Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with students, parents, staff and administration
Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions
Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
Must be capable of working under pressure and dealing with several assignments concurrently regarding a variety of issues
Knowledge of technology including computers (Word, Excel), copiers, fax machines and other applicable office equipment
Must be an energetic, highly ethical and possess good emotional and physical health
Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Governing Board or the Superintendent may deem appropriate

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a School Guidance and Counseling program is desired
Knowledge of Spanish including reading, writing and oral communication is desired
Optional flexible work hours to perform necessary duties
Experience as a school counselor is preferred

Responsibilities

Assist with establishing a welcoming school climate and culture for all students, parents, and visitors
Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with the principal, school personnel, students and parents
Establish and maintain a well-known presence on campus by exhibiting positive interaction with students and staff
Collaborate with school personnel and parents to identify at-risk students
Screen and evaluate students referred for prevention or crisis interventions. and provide appropriate interventions and assistance
Observe behavior of students both in out of the classroom
Review attendance and truancy records to identify students who have excessive absences and tardies and develop and implement programs and/or interventions to increase student attendance
Make home visits to discuss issues that may identify cause(s) for student’s non-attendance
Inform parents of Federal and State attendance law and policies
Identify and provide information regarding community resources that support needs of students and their families
Participate in the Child Study Team process
Plan, present or facilitate parent and/or student presentations regarding behavior, attendance, academics, positive interpersonal relationships, internet usage; etc.
Plan, present or facilitate staff inservices regarding issues affecting students educational progress; such as, strategies for student behavior management, academic achievement, positive reinforcement, violence prevention, conflict resolution, anti-bullying strategies, etc.
Continually assist the administration, staff and parents with resources regarding strategies and techniques to enhance student success on and off campus
When appropriate, work with the staff and administration to develop and implement a school-wide discipline program including, prevention and a reward system for positive behavior
Explore and contact businesses for the purpose of obtaining donations for incentives for students
Assist teachers and school staff in providing strategies for improved student success
Plan and facilitate Peer Mediation by training student mediators and educating and instructing the student body and staff regarding the uses and effectiveness of the program
Provide individual counseling sessions and support groups for students who exhibit problems with behavior, academics, peer relationships, home, attendance, etc.
As requested, plan and teach learning activities in the classroom regarding behavior, peer relationships, anti-bully strategies, decision making, etc
In consultation with parents, refer students with severe problems to appropriate community agencies
Share in the responsibility of reviewing records of incoming students and attend multidisciplinary conferences as required.
Recommend referrals to outside agencies as needed
Assist the administration with contacting appropriate authorities for students who exhibit immediate and potential danger to self or others
Maintain appropriate student records, data and documentation on services provided to students
Use data to monitor individual student’s grades or behavior referrals to assess and evaluate the progress of each student receiving on-site or off campus counseling and adjust strategies or programs a needed
Assist the administration and staff to determine consequences for inappropriate student behavior and, if appropriate contact parents regarding concerns
Plan and implement orientation activities for students and parents new to the school
Assist the administration and staff with creating a smooth transition for all incoming 5 th grade students into the middle schools and 8 th grade students into high school
Assist staff with Parent/Teacher Conferences
Assist families with school related problems
Keep open communication with school nurse, district Special Education Director and district psychologist
Participate in district sponsored professional development workshops/inservices, attend professional meetings, read professional journals and publications, etc. for continued professional development
Maintain strict confidentiality and use appropriate discretion when working with all district personnel and student and family records and/or information
Support and follow the rules, regulations and policies set by the School Board, the assigned school and the District
Perform all other duties as assigned by the Governing School Board, the Principal or his/her designee