What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counselor, Elementary School position at McAllen Independent School District?
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
To plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive program of guidance, including counseling services to assigned school; use a planning process to define needs and priorities of populations served; provide a proactive developmental guidance program for all students to maximize personal growth and development; to promote a positive working relationship, among and between staff and the schools, by establishing a climate conducive to open communication and productive work
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
Master’s Degree, required
Texas Counselor’s Certificate, required
Texas Teaching Certificate, required
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of counseling procedures; communicate effectively (verbal and written); utilize effective interpersonal skills; possess effective organizational and presentation skills; interpret data, federal and state laws and policies; basic computer skills
Experience:
Three (3) years of experience as a classroom teacher, required
Working Days: 190
Note: Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Plan and implement the school guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs.
- Provide guidance and counseling to individuals and groups of students related to their personal needs.
- Provide guidance and counseling to students with disabilities as specified in their Individual Educational Plans.
- Guide students in learning new skills and concepts that have a positive impact on behavior by providing practice, reinforcement, assessment for understanding and feedback.
- Provide crisis counseling and/or consultation services.
- Teach the school developmental guidance curriculum in conjunction with teachers or through individual , group and/or classroom activities.
- Consult with parents, administrators, school personnel or students about educational, personal and social needs of students through conferences, phone calls and home visits.
- Use an effective referral process to work cooperatively with school, community and resource persons to assist students.
- Serve on campus committees that address student needs.
- Evaluate and compile data on referred students to determine eligibility for counseling as a related service.
- Compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other required documents in a timely and efficient manner.
- Pursue professional growth by participating in appropriate in-service opportunities and keep abreast of changes and developments in education as reflected in research, literature and best practice.
- Coordinate with staff and provide input regarding students to the Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee.
- Foster collaborative educational efforts among staff by supporting the district’s philosophy and mission and its commitment to site-based shared decision-making.
- Keep the principal informed regarding the status of all projects or initiatives undertaken and of directives or requests received internally or externally.
- Use accepted theories and techniques appropriate to school counseling.
- Adhere to ethical and legal standards.
- Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None
EQUIPMENT USED:
Computer, copier, multimedia equipment
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands:
Maintain emotional control under stress; coordinate projects; meet deadlines
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Frequent prolonged and irregular hours; frequent district wide and occasional state or national travel; occasional lifting and/or moving up to 45 pounds and over; assist in restraining students in a crisis situation
