What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counselor - Elementary position at Kalispell Public Schools?
Starting 2025-2026
FTE 1.0
Current salary shown here: 2025-2026 Salary Matrix. Exempt, benefits-eligible, 187 days 8 holidays 4 personal days. This position is under the Teacher's Retirement System.
Exempt, benefits-eligible, 187 days 8 holidays 4 personal days.
Screening Begins Immediately
Job Responsibilities:
- Implement the American School Counselors Association Guidelines and Standards in all K-5 classrooms.
- Counsel individuals and small groups of children toward social and emotional growth.
- Consult with and train teachers, parents and staff regarding children’s needs.
- Refer children with problems and their parents to special programs, specialists and outside agencies.
- Participate in and lead MTSS team.
- Lead the Olweus Bully Prevention Program and Montana Behavior Initiative in the school.
- Assist in evaluating achievement tests, state and district assessments.
- Provide a comprehensive, developmental guidance and counseling program for all children.
- Consult with teachers, parents, and community to enhance their effectiveness in helping students.
- Provide support to other elementary educational programs.
- Participate in, coordinate and conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the counseling program and school.
- Attend building and district meetings as required.
- Support IEP and 504 plans by collaborating with Special Education case managers.
- Network with appropriate community agencies.
- Collaborate with administration on the master schedule.
- Uphold the professional ethics of the Counselors Association and abide by the privileged communication law (Montana Revised Codes: law No. 94-701-4).
- Perform other duties as assigned by the building administration or department head.
- Meet with classrooms to support student learning across settings.
- Participate and contribute to all SIT Team meetings.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to maintain effective professional relationships with staff, students, and parents.
- Skill in standard based instruction and assessment.
- Ability to maintain student confidentiality.
- Ability to maintain regular and acceptable attendance levels.
- Skill in the use of technology to enhance instruction and communication.
- Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to follow directions.
- Skill, dedication, and aptitude for working with students.
- Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work as a contributing member of effective teaching teams.
Minimum Qualifications:
- MEA or Master’s degree in Education.
- State of Montana Educator license with appropriate endorsement(s) in counseling.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Recent successful experience in school counseling, preferably at an elementary setting.
- Recent experience working with newest releases of technology, software and equipment.
- Ability to coach and/or direct activities.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to stand on feet for extended periods of time, stoop, bend, lift and carry items up to 40 pounds.
