What are the responsibilities and job description for the Elementary Guidance Counselor position at Louisa - Muscatine Community School District?
Elementary Guidance Counselor - Position start date: August 2025
Position Purpose: To plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program in an elementary learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential. Work is performed under the supervision of the building principal and/or the district administrator.
Position Purpose: To plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program in an elementary learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential. Work is performed under the supervision of the building principal and/or the district administrator.
Essential Functions
- Adhere to and support board policy, school guidelines, administrative rules and directives.
- Make him/herself available to all students seeking guidance and counseling services.
- Advocate on behalf of the student and/or his/her family. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students.
- Facilitate outreach efforts to provide services to students, parent/guardians and staff.
- Connect students, parents/guardians and staff with specialized referral agencies.
- Understand, evaluate, and interpret academic performance data. Interpret information about students to the student, their parents/guardians, and staff.
- Implement individual and group counseling methods that are appropriate.
- Conduct career and educational planning activities.
- Participate in in-service activities promoted by the district.
- Submit required reports promptly and accurately.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Building Principal or District Administrator.
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ENGAGES IN PROFESSIONAL GROWTH. The guidance counselor:
- Demonstrates habits and skills of continuous inquiry and learning.
- Works collaboratively to improve professional practice and learning.
- Applies research, knowledge, and skills from professional development opportunities to improve practice.
- Establishes and implements professional developmental plans based upon the teacher needs to the Iowa Teaching Standards and district/building student achievement goals.
- Provides an analysis of student learning and growth based on teacher-created tests and authentic measures as well as any standardized and district tests
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FULFILLS PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITEIS ESTABLISHED BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. The guidance counselor:
- Adheres to board policies, district procedures, and contractual obligations.
- Demonstrates professional and ethical conduct as defined by state law and individual district policy.
- Contributes to efforts to achieve district and building goals.
- Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for all learners and staff.
- Collaborates with students, families, colleagues, and communities to enhance student learning
- Guidance Counselors will perform other duties as assigned.
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide classroom guidance lessons to all grade levels.
- Assist school nurse with health guidance and lessons.
- Work with tier I and tier II teams.
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to assess the needs of students in the classroom.
- Ability to work well with students, teachers, counselors, parents and others.
- Ability to work within the job description with independence and to make judgments and decisions.
- Possess a basic understanding of the operation of building systems including security, intercom, telephone, fire and alarm systems.
- Ability to operate a personal computer that is linked to network so that the teacher can access student data, enter grades, perform on-line IEPs (if applicable) and receive email.
- Ability to operate photocopiers, laminators, classroom and or lab equipment.
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Qualifications and Education
- Possesses a Master Degree in Guidance and/or School Counseling
- A current license as required by the Department of Public Instruction
- The State of Iowa Department of Education sets certification requirements and such licenses are issued through the Board of Educational Examiners..
A minimum of three years of teaching, counseling, or other experience working with elementary aged children.
Evaluation
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Building Principal in accordance with the Iowa Department of Education guidance.
FLSA Status: Exempt
It is the policy of the Louisa-Muscatine Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.
