What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counselor position at St. Pius Catholic School?
Job Title: PK-8 School Guidance Counselor
St. Pius X Catholic School seeks a full-time PK-8 School Guidance Counselor for the 2025-2026 school year. St. Pius X is a preschool through Grade 8 Catholic elementary school located in Urbandale, IA, with an enrollment of approximately 450 students. Our school community is committed to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and faith development in a Christ-centered environment.
Position Overview:
The PK-8 School Guidance Counselor plays a vital role in supporting the academic, social-emotional, and spiritual well-being of students. The counselor works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and parents to provide direct student support, implement school-wide initiatives, and ensure a nurturing learning environment aligned with Catholic values. Additionally, the counselor serves as a leader in PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports). The School Guidance Counselor is also a key member of a comprehensive student support team, which includes the Director of Student Support (behavior focus), Academic Interventionist, STEM/Enrichment Teacher, School Nurse, Principal, and Assistant Principal; as well as a Special Education and ELL teacher (from the local public district). This team works together to provide a well-rounded approach to student success, ensuring that academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs are met within a faith-based framework.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide individual and group support for students’ academic, emotional, and social development.
- Serve as a leader in PBIS implementation, promoting positive behavior and positive school-wide culture.
- Actively participate as a member of the Student Intervention Team (SIT) to support students through the MTSS process.
- Collaborate with teachers and staff to develop and implement support as needed for students.
- Guide students in developing coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience.
- Support students and families through transitions, including new student orientation and middle school-to-high school planning.
- Facilitate communication between school, families, and outside support services as needed.
- Lead and support faith-based counseling initiatives and integrate Catholic teachings into guidance programs.
- Lead family partnership programs for diverse populations
- Coordinate and deliver classroom guidance lessons on topics such as social skills, emotional regulation, and digital citizenship; school currently utilizes 2nd Step program
- Provide whole group instruction in areas such as emotional well-being, coping strategies, and positive peer interactions utilizing curriculum resources
- Participate in crisis intervention and collaborate on safety and well-being initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in School Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field with a valid Iowa School Counselor License or eligibility for licensure. (172)
- Previous school based experiences preferred
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, staff, and families.
- Experience implementing PBIS, MTSS, or similar school-wide support frameworks preferred.
- Understanding of child development, mental health concerns, and best practices in school counseling.
- Commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education; practicing Catholic preferred.
- Ability to implement faith-based guidance initiatives and foster a Christ-centered school culture.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, three current letters of recommendation, and a copy of their current license.
For questions or to apply, contact:
Alex Baranosky
St. Pius X Catholic School
abaranosky@stpiusxschool.org
https://stpiusxurbandale.org/our-school/employment-opportunities