School Counselor

Fowler Elementary District•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The School Counselor helps students adjust academically, socially, and emotionally to the school environment. The role provides intervention strategies and programs to administrators and staff to reduce behavior issues and student absences, improve academic success, and create a positive school experience for all students. This is a nine-month position, with days worked determined by the school calendar, and reports to the School Principal. Performance is evaluated in accordance with Board Policy GCO.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a School Guidance and Counseling program.
Valid Arizona Guidance Counselor Certification.
Valid Arizona driver’s license.
Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Experience working with diverse student populations.
Knowledge of child development and behavior-management strategies and techniques; capability to develop effective behavior-management programs.
Knowledge of conflict-resolution and problem-solving techniques.
Knowledge of District policies, procedures, organizational structure, and school requirements.
Strong English reading, writing, and oral communication skills, including spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with students, parents, staff, and administrators.
Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to work under pressure and manage several assignments concurrently across a variety of issues.
Knowledge of technology, including computers and Word and Excel, copiers, fax machines, and other applicable office equipment.
Energetic, highly ethical, and in good emotional and physical health.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in a School Guidance and Counseling program is desired.
Knowledge of Spanish, including reading, writing, and oral communication, is desired.
Experience as a school counselor is preferred.
Alternatives to the listed qualifications may be accepted as deemed appropriate by the Governing Board or Superintendent.

Responsibilities

Help establish a welcoming school climate and culture for students, parents, and visitors.
Build and maintain harmonious working relationships with the principal, school personnel, students, and parents, and maintain a positive presence on campus.
Collaborate with school personnel and parents to identify at-risk students; screen and evaluate students referred for prevention or crisis intervention and provide appropriate support.
Observe student behavior in and outside the classroom.
Review attendance and truancy records, develop and implement interventions to improve attendance, conduct home visits when needed, and inform parents about federal and state attendance laws and policies.
Identify and share community resources that support students and their families.
Participate in the Child Study Team process and multidisciplinary conferences, and review records of incoming students as required.
Plan, present, or facilitate presentations for parents, students, and staff on issues affecting student behavior, attendance, academic progress, relationships, internet use, and safety.
Provide ongoing resources and strategies to administrators, staff, and parents to support student success on and off campus.
Work with staff and administrators to develop and implement school-wide discipline, prevention, and positive-behavior reward programs when appropriate.
Contact businesses to seek donations for student incentives.
Assist teachers and school staff with strategies to improve student success.
Plan and facilitate Peer Mediation, including training student mediators and educating students and staff about the program.
Provide individual counseling and support groups for students experiencing behavioral, academic, peer relationship, home, or attendance problems.
Plan and teach classroom learning activities on topics such as behavior, peer relationships, anti-bullying strategies, and decision-making when requested.
Refer students with severe problems to appropriate community agencies in consultation with parents, and recommend outside-agency referrals as needed.
Assist administrators in contacting appropriate authorities when students pose an immediate or potential danger to themselves or others.
Maintain appropriate student records, data, and documentation; use data to assess progress and adjust counseling strategies or programs.
Assist administrators and staff in determining consequences for inappropriate student behavior and contact parents about concerns when appropriate.
Plan and implement orientation activities for new students and parents, and support transitions for incoming fifth-grade students to middle school and eighth-grade students to high school.
Assist with parent-teacher conferences and help families address school-related problems.
Maintain open communication with the school nurse, District Special Education Director, and District psychologist.
Participate in District professional development, in-services, and professional meetings, and read professional publications for continued professional development.
Maintain strict confidentiality and appropriate discretion when handling District, student, and family information.
Follow School Board, school, and District rules, regulations, and policies; perform other duties as assigned by the Governing School Board, Principal, or designee.