School Counselor (Kaposia Education Center)

Job Summary
To provide a comprehensive counseling program for all children in the elementary schools. Consult with teachers, parents and staff to enhance their effectiveness in helping students. Provide support to other elementary educational programs and monitor a school counseling program.

Job Functions

• Support the district’s mission, vision and values.
• Adhere to all district policies and procedures.
• Assist in implementing a safe school climate that results in academic and personal success for all students.
• Provide individual guidance and/or group guidance to help students cope effectively to personal, social, academic, and family concerns.
• Show concern for the total need of each student (educational, personal and social), encourage maximum growth and development.
• Conduct classroom lessons/activities to support instruction, educational transitions, and personal development.
• Assist teachers, parents/guardians, and other stakeholders in interpreting and understanding student data.
• Collect and analyze data to guide program direction and emphasis.
• Measure results of the comprehensive school counseling program activities and share results as appropriate with relevant stakeholders.
• Establish support groups for the children with common issues.
• Consult and coordinate with staff, parents, and community resources.
• Assist in implementing an on-site crisis intervention/management plans.
• Participate in the special education process.
• Case manage 504 plans for students.
• Conduct parent education sessions on topics of widespread interest and direct parents to other resources.
• Consult and collaborates effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs.
• Monitor student academic performance, behavior and attendance and assists with appropriate interventions.
• Encourage parent and community involvement, obtain information for parents when requested, promptly return phone calls and answer emails.
• Recruit volunteers to become mentors, reading buddies and tutors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Current Minnesota License in Counseling.
• Develop and maintain rapport with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Able to work in collaboration with instructional staff: inclusive education, special education and school climate and culture.
• Commitment to working effectively with culturally, economically and socially diverse students and families.
• Excellent technology skills.
• Demonstrate considerable care and skill in completing work assignments.

Physical Requirements
Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Vision abilities required include close vision.