Job Title: Professional School Counselor – Elementary

Position Summary:
The Professional School Counselor supports the academic, career, and social-emotional development of all students by delivering a comprehensive school counseling program. This position reports to the building Principal(s) and works collaboratively with school staff, families, and district personnel, including the Program Specialist for School Counselors, to promote student success and well-being.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with district goals and national/state counseling standards, addressing academic, career, and social-emotional domains.
Provides direct services to students through individual counseling, small group counseling, and classroom instruction to support student achievement and personal growth.
Collaborates with teachers, administrators, and families to monitor student progress and develop appropriate interventions and supports.
Supports school-wide initiatives by serving as a resource for behavior intervention and trauma-informed practices.
Introduce and support career awareness through classroom lessons and other career exploration opportunities
Assists with pre-enrollment activities, schedule creation, and contributes to the development of the master schedule, as determined by building leadership.
Participates in multidisciplinary teams (e.g., Child Study Team, 504 team, behavior team, etc.) as determined by building leadership
Serves as a liaison between the school and community agencies to coordinate services and referrals that support student needs.
Maintains accurate, confidential records of counseling services, student interactions, and program outcomes to inform decision-making and program improvement.
Engages in ongoing professional development to remain current with best practices, legal requirements, and emerging trends in school counseling.

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use instructional technology and basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with WPS guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Limited travel may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

Works in standard office and school building environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Proficient organizational, planning and human relations skills
Proficient knowledge of guidance counseling, career education methods, materials, procedures, and practices
Ability to apply knowledge of guidance and counseling practices to the needs of assigned students
Ability to develop cooperative working relationships with students, parents, and instructional staff
Ability to maintain accurate records and confidentiality
Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Interrelations:

Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
Will be working under the direct supervision of the assigned supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator
All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position

Qualification Profile:

Master's Degree in School Counseling, or must be pursuing a Master's Degree in School Counseling and deemed eligible for a Provisional School Counselor License by your University
KSDE issued School Counselor License required

FLSA Status: Exempt