School Counselor - Centennial Middle School

West Valley School District #363 • Spokane Valley, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The school counselor works with the Principal and Program Director to carry out the counseling program in the West Valley School District. Identifying student needs through academic, attendance, and discipline data and consulting with administrators to guide the program development. The counselor is responsible for the professional quality of the program in individual schools and for the consistency of the program as it relates to established policies and procedures of the West Valley School District. School counselors promote the success of all students through the implementation of this comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the academic, career, and personal/social needs of students.

Requirements

• Current Washington State ESA Certificate with an endorsement as a School Counselor.
• 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).
• I-9 Employment Eligibility.
• Completion of all district-required trainings within thirty (30) calendar days from hire date.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated success in preparing secondary master schedules and organizing staff to work with students during registration periods.
• Familiarity with special programs such as Running Start, area Skill Centers, Gateway to College, and Gear Up.
• Experience in organizing, tracking, and delivering student assessments (HSPE Reading and Writing, EOC Assessments in Algebra, Geometry, and Biology, DAPE, MAPs, SAT, PSAT, ACT, ASVAB, etc.).
• Skills in developing effective working relationships, resolving conflicts, motivating others, and designing activities to assist in meeting goals.
• Understanding of the change process and its relationship to current trends in education.
• Ability to organize and perform job responsibilities efficiently and independently without close supervision.
• Capacity to make sound decisions, pay attention to detail, and follow through on a variety of assigned tasks.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and following written or verbal communications.
• Ability to work collaboratively with district staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
• Adherence to ethical and professional standards of conduct, including maintaining confidentiality.
• Effectiveness in relating to parents, staff, students, and the public.
• Positive attitude and team-oriented approach, coupled with flexibility in schedule and task management.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in planning, scheduling, and allocating resources; reaching logical conclusions; using appropriate decision-making processes; and accepting responsibility for actions and consequences.
• Proficiency in using computer technologies to enhance instruction and manage building functions.
• Knowledge of social service agencies and services to assist high-risk adolescents and their families (including medical, dental, mental health, housing, substance abuse, transportation, etc.).
• Commitment to personal improvement, exhibiting high personal motivation, energy, flexibility, and a tolerance for ambiguity.
• Ability to effectively represent the school in the community through business partnerships and activities.
• Commitment to providing equal opportunities to all staff and students.
• Ability to conduct effective individual, small group, and classroom guidance/counseling activities with students.
• Ability to assist students and families with referrals to community resources.
• Knowledge of laws related to child abuse and neglect.
• Familiarity with and successful implementation of restorative practice strategies.
• Knowledge of the American School Counselor Association National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, and its implementation in the school setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and/or group counseling and facilitate the delivery of counseling, behavior management, and intervention services by assisting those who have major roles within the educational system, including but not limited to: in-service training and staff development, organization and system development, parent and staff counseling, program planning and evaluations, and parent education programs.
• Consult and collaborate with parents, school staff, and outside agency personnel regarding mental health, behavioral, social-emotional, and educational concerns, their implications, and means of intervening.
• Understand the functions of Child Study Team (CST) and Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs), and be an active participant in each building.
• Function as a school liaison by initiating, expediting, and managing contacts and referrals with outside agencies, specialists, and service providers.
• Work with staff and principal to create a positive learning environment throughout the school.
• Participate in the orientation of new students.
• Provide oversight of Invest Ed and ASB funds.
• Facilitate student referrals to Child Protective Services, Heart (Homeless) Program, and the district-sponsored drug and alcohol education program
• Remain readily available to students to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Demonstrate a positive, caring attitude toward students, staff, and parents.
• Provide anti-bullying/harassment information, education, and intervention.
• Provide individual and whole school crisis intervention.
• Teach self-awareness, self-management, and emotional regulation skills.
• Teach decision-making and relationship skills.
• Facilitate transitions between grade levels and program placements.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, supplemental life, and supplemental disability insurance through the School Employee Benefit Board (SEBB).
• state retirement plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
• 12 sick leave days (prorated based on FTE) and paid time off.
• paid time off, including annual and/or vacation leave.
• 10-13 paid holidays (depending on position & work year).
• VEBA including monthly accrual and/or sick leave conversion.

What This Job Offers

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