Elementary School Counselor

Job Description Position: Elementary School Counselor Reports To: Principal Work Location: Twinfield Union School, Plainfield, VT Salary: Based on Experience FLSA Status: Exempt Our Mission It is the mission of the Caledonia Central Supervisory Union and its seven member schools to create a learning community in which each individual can achieve the highest standards of excellence in intellectual growth and citizenship. Position Summary Position Overview: The Elementary School Counselor is responsible for providing social and emotional support to students in grades PK-6 and for developing strong connections between school and families. This role will focus on connecting with students, families, and staff, collaborating with staff and families, and supporting students socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. This person is responsible for developing and implementing small group, individual, and class instruction around a variety of topics to promote positive mental health, safety, and personal growth. This position also provides resources to assist students in overcoming obstacles, developing social, emotional, academic skills, and achieving their goals.The counselor will also work with students with challenging behaviors to teach regulation and problem solving strategies. Key Responsibilities Elementary School Counselor Create a safe and inclusive space for students to discuss challenges and seek advice. Meet with students individually or in small groups Meet with small groups to work toward a collective behavior/social goal Mediate conflicts between students and teach problem-solving skills. Teach identified social skills to individuals, small groups, or whole class Conduct classroom lessons on topics such as friendship, respect, decision-making, and growth mindset. Serve as a mentor for students, offering guidance on personal, academic, and social/emotional development Collaborate with teachers and families to identity problems that may be interfering with the learning and healthy development of individual students and that may require counseling interventions Promote anti-bullying campaigns, kindness challenges, and mental health awareness activities. Collect and analyze data on student social emotional screeners (SSIS) Provide immediate support for students experiencing trauma, abuse, grief, or crisis situations. Report suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities including DCF. Home to School Connection Point Communicate with families via phone calls, emails, and updates in the school newsletter Lead school tours for new families Connect families with resources within the school and community to promote student well-being and success. Behavior Support Partner with Behavior Specialist to respond to radio calls and provide intervention in the classroom or regulation space Help students regulate and reflect within escalated moments Collaborate and communicate with classroom teachers HHB Investigator Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement lesson plans that meet the diverse learning needs of students. Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding their students. Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance their practices and stay current with educational trends. Must meet all Prek qualifications for licensing Fingerprinting, trainings, First Aid and CPR Handle With Care training Hazing Harassment and Bullying training Help with student drop off and pick up with families Participate as part of the PBIS team Participate in Team Talk,EST, and IEP meetings Participate in committee meetings Qualifications/Experience To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, in addition to the following: Hold or be eligible for a valid School Counselor license that demonstrates competencies outlined by the Agency of Education Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of student development theories and practices. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Education and Experience. A Bachelor’s degree and working knowledge of Vermont’s Educational Standards required. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations. Holds or is eligible to hold a Vermont Teaching License. Holds the appropriate endorsement(s) and meets all the basic competencies and qualifications of the endorsement(s) as listed in the Regulations Governing the Licensing of Educators and the Preparation of Educational Professionals. Language Skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common educational and technical journals, periodicals, and procedures, and regulations. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from parents, regulatory agencies, or members of the community. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals that conform to school/district standards or regulations. Ability to effectively present information to and respond to questions from administrators, parents, peers, board members, and the general public. Mathematical/Reasoning Skills. Ability to interpret and use test results by applying math concepts such as standard error of measurement, bands of confidence, standard scores, and percentiles. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Computer Skills and Experience. Good basic computer skills and experience with word processing programs required. Experience with Microsoft and Google preferred. Communication and Interpersonal Skills. Ability to efficiently, effectively, and regularly communicate and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals, including students, peers, subordinates,supervisors, parents, and representatives of outside organizations. Ability to effectively handle stressful situations and resolve conflicts. Physical Requirements The work environment is in a mixed environment, with moderate noise, temperatures that are controlled, and no exposure to chemicals or other negative air quality elements. The work is light/moderate work, requiring exertion of up to 30 pounds of force to move or lift objects. The following physical and mental abilities are representative of those expected to complete the essential functions of the job: Standing for prolonged periods Sitting for prolonged periods Repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, or fingers Repetitive motions with force on the back or lower body Ability to feel, grasp, or hold objects by hand Discernment of colors visually Discernment of letters or numbers Discernment of objects under low light or distant conditions Understanding and communicating in spoken language Understanding and communicating in written language Perception of sounds Making decisions using logic and rational thinking To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations shall be made, as required by law, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this job description. Twinfield Union School and Caledonia Central Supervisory Union assure equal opportunity and public access in all their employment and service policies. Twinfield and CCSU do not discriminate in hiring, programs, or policies on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, or sexual orientation.