K-8 School Counselor

K-8 School Counselor 

Job Description 

Reports To: Lead BCBA, Assistant Head of School (Co-Principals) 

 Status: 1.0 FTE, Exempt  

Job Summary: The School Counselor is responsible for providing a comprehensive school counseling program that is preventative in design, developmental in implementation, and supports APL learners in the areas of social emotional learning and academic achievement. The role also serves as a consultant to teachers, BCBAs, families and community partners. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Participate in the team approach to providing mental health / social-emotional counseling services to qualifying students using a neuro-diverse affirming approach.  
• Teach SEL lessons and/or act as a co-facilitator with clinicians for social-emotional skills lessons presented in the classroom.   
• Conduct social skills groups in collaboration with the clinicians, classroom teacher, and/or other support staff.   
• Assess mental health / social emotional needs of students and oversee the implementation of counseling goals and services in IEPs.   
• Counsel individual students to facilitate transition from home to school, to build positive attitudes, self-understanding, and self-reliance.   
• Provide individual counseling and group guidance to help students cope effectively with personal, social, academic, and family concerns.   
• Assist students to develop strategies for coping with personal crisis.   
• Serve as member/consultant to: Student Support Teams, Individual Education Plan meetings, etc. as requested by the administration.  
• Participate in school staff meetings, community, and school related organizations.   
• Organize and implement teacher training and/or in-service activities.   
• Assist the school site administration with counseling and guidance issues.   
• Identify and provide intervention strategies for students and their families, including case management and crisis intervention and collaborate with other community agencies as appropriate.   
• Assist in directing parent/guardians to competent resource personnel or community agencies when resources outside the school and home are needed.   
• Maintain confidential ongoing counseling notes; observe and record student behavior to ensure the effectiveness of the plan and provide case management as necessary.   
• Prepare reports and documents to support counseling services for students and complete paperwork promptly.   
• Demonstrate sensitivity to various family and cultural patterns in counseling sessions.   
• Demonstrate knowledge of child growth and development.   
• Participate in and support activities which are conducive to a positive school climate.  
• Participate in professional growth activities such as classes, workshops, conferences, and school committees.   
• Refer students with significant needs to appropriate community agencies for further diagnosis / treatment.   
• Perform other related duties as assigned.  

Job Qualifications:  

• Fingerprint clearance through OSPI  
• A clean background check through Washington State Patrol and Goodhire  
• Master’s degree in counseling 
• 2+ years as a school counselor 
• Working knowledge of counseling models, methods, and resources. 
• Ability to identify and respond to students’ needs. 
• Excellent listening and problem-solving skills. 
• Patience and compassion. 
• High level of integrity. 
• Experience working with students with autism and learners with varying access needs  
• Demonstrated understanding and use of equitable and culturally responsive practices  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. They will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their supervisor or the management of the school.  

Academy for Precision Learning (APL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we grant equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, Vietnam Era Veteran status, age, religion, political affiliation, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. It is the intent and desire of APL that equal employment opportunity will be provided in all phases of the employment relationship. APL is a Title VII employer and strictly prohibits any types of discrimination or harassment. For more information please contact APL’s Human Resources department at [email protected].