Elementary Counselor Pool

The role of the elementary counselor in responding to the unique needs of the individual student, is to interact effectively with personnel in the educational setting to contribute to an educational environment which is conductive to learning and which provides opportunities, strengthens areas of weakness, and extends positive values to each facet of life. The elementary school counselor shall also attend to truancies of students. School principals shall notify the counselors of truancy or suspected truancy in the school in order that he/she may visit the home and check on the student to correct the situation. The elementary school counselor, in implementing guidance and counseling program will work within district policy and guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Shall have a Master’s Degree, counselor’s certificate as per Texas Education Agency regulations and three years teaching experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
1. Assist in the diagnosis and assessment of student learning needs at the elementary level.
2. Develop and maintain effective relationships with individuals and groups of students to provide assistance in areas of education, career awareness, and personal needs.
3. Plan with faculty, at-risk/other counselors and directors to determine specific approaches to meeting student needs.
4. Provide opportunities for peer counseling.
5. Work with other counselors, particularly the Title I counselor and Special Education counselor in all phases of the counseling program.
6. Interact with parents and other members of the community to promote understanding of the school’s role in meeting students needs to include the following:
(a.) Consult with parents regarding school related problems that include student behavior, academic performance and student attendance. Make home visits and phone calls when needed.
(b.) Solicit and share student information with parents.
(c.) Provide parents with information about resources that can contribute to the fullest development of their children.
(d.) Clarify and interpret guidance procedures and other school practices to parents and assist parents in developing realistic perceptions of their child’s abilities, personal-social development and school progress.
7. Coordinate with other elementary counselors and Director of Instructional Services to complement the instructional program at both levels.
8. Assist with parent/teacher conferences for individual referrals to:
(a.) Provide opportunities for parents and teachers
(b.) Exchange student information.
9. Work with teachers to:
(a.) Complement guidance services with curricular services to better meet student needs.
(b.) Assist teachers to understand the needs of individual students.
(c.) Serve as consultant to teachers
(d.) Act on referrals from teachers.
10. Plan for long range counseling goals of the district.
11. Maintain necessary documentation on services provided (group and individual).
12. Manage time effectively to adequately meet the needs of all eligible students.
13. Perform periodic checks on migrant student grades and progress to make sure they are on track for graduation.
14. Prepare and hand in a comprehensive report to the Director of instructional Services program at the end of every year.
15. Make home visits and phone calls to parents.
16. Compile, check, and verify PEIMS at-risk data at the assigned campus.
17. Is involved in planning sessions with the Director of Instructional Services, facilitators, supervisors, and directors.
18. Counsel with students and parents in an effort to prevent truancies and unnecessary absences.
19. Be expected to determine any boys or girls not properly enrolled in school as required by law and bring this matter to the attention of parents and proper authorities.
20. Keep records of unusual truancy or attendance problems and report the same to the principal, and or superintendent.
21. Help in the investigation of any misrepresentation of residence of children in our schools. He/she shall report findings to the principal and or superintendent of schools.
22. Assist with any other matters the superintendent of schools may designate from time to time.
23. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular district-wide travel as needed; moderate lifting and carrying. Attend out of town meetings.