ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Position Type:
Teaching (Elementary)/Guidance Counselor, Elementary

Date Posted:
5/15/2026

Location:
Swaney Elementary

Date Available:
2026-2027

Closing Date:
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR: Derby Public Schools are seeking an elementary school counselor for the 2026-2027 school year. This position will serve Swaney Elementary and Tanglewood Elementary. Employee benefits include uncategorized PTO, paid parental leave and we accept PDC for salary placement. You can find a copy of our salary schedule starting on page 8 of the Certified Employee Master Contract handbook. Interested applicants will need to complete an online application through Frontline. All inquiries should be directed to Joel Addis, Principal at Swaney Elementary, at View email address on click.appcast.io or Ethan Gruen, Principal at Tanglewood Elementary, at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Position open until filled.

Job Description: Elementary School Counselor
All Job Descriptions are posted on our Job Description Index.

Salary is based on experience and education: $50,003 - 85,354
The regular teacher contract is currently 184.5 days.

See the 2026 Benefit Guide for more information on health insurance, supplemental insurances, and other benefits our staff are eligible for.

ESOL Endorsement Requirements:
Elementary classroom teachers, as well as middle and high school level language arts teachers are required to hold an ESOL endorsement by the end of their third year with the district. Currently, this endorsement can be added by testing (no college courses are required). The district will provide a study session for the praxis exam and reimburse teachers for cost of 1 exam.


Elementary School Counselor
Job Description

Purpose: The Elementary School Counselor helps students attain an optimum level of social emotional wellbeing and personal and social adjustment. In order to respond to the individual needs and abilities of students, the Elementary Counselor must work closely with staff and administration of Derby Public Schools and related community-based staff.

Responsible to: Principal
Salary: Annual Contract
Classification of Employment: Exempt

Qualifications:
1. Masters degree from an accredited college/university.
2. Two years accredited teaching experience.
3. Current and valid Kansas State Teaching License on file in the Central Office, with school counselor endorsement.
4. Desire to continue career improvement.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:
1. Requires prolonged sitting/standing.
2. Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull or push heavy objects or materials.
3. Occasionally requires stooping, bending or reaching.
4. Requires the ability to occasionally travel
5. Must be able to work in in noisy and crowded environments
6. Requires regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

Essential Functions:
Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
a) Help students attain an optimum level of personal and social adjustment.
b) Consult with parents, teachers, administrators and supporting agencies concerning the needs and abilities of students and provide support/training as needed for staff.
c) Ensure that all activities conform to district guidelines.
d) Communicate effectively with all members of the school district and community.
e) Work effectively with community organizations.
f) React to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
g) Support the value of an education.
h) Support the philosophy and mission of the school district.
i) Comply with all district policies, rules and regulations.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:
a) Requires the ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods.
b) Occasionally requires the ability to to move, lift, carry, pull or push heavy objects or materials.
c) Occasionally requires the ability to stoop, bend and reach.
d) Requires extensive use of hands.
e) Requires the ability to occasionally travel.Must work indoors and outdoors year round
f) Must be able to work in noisy and crowded environments.
g) Requires regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

General Responsibilities:
1. Provide individual counseling and group guidance to help students cope effectively with personal, social, academic, career and family concerns.
2. Refer students and their families to appropriate community agencies and services.
3. Provide direct student support in critical situations and serve as a member of the building crisis team.
4. Update and maintain confidential student records, including cumulative transcripts and student files.
5. Coordinate and manage SEL screeners and related surveys administered throughout the year.
6. Assist in identifying students who are at risk based on specific criteria, and the early recognition, and prevention of educational problems.
7. Assist with enrollment processes and facilitate needs in accordance with building, district and state requirements.
8. Assist in a continuous program of student orientation including planning for students transitioning into/exiting building programs and/or special education placements.
9. Participate as a team member in comprehensive evaluation, review and re-evaluation processes, behavior and student support plans and other related student referral processes.
10. Collaborate on the development of the student's Individual Education Plan, 504, behavior and/or student support plan.
11. Cooperate with agencies serving students and their families.
12. Support classroom Social Emotional Learning lessons and provide support group activities for students with common personal and social needs.
13. Coordinate 504 plans and components related to the process.
14. Assist with the activities of student organizations and student support activity functions such as conferences, tutoring, student recognition ceremonies and parent engagement/education.
15. See that district policies are observed during all activities.
16. Keep abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques.
17. Obtain advance approval of the principal for all activities and expenditures.
18. Adhere to all district health and safety policies.
19. Other duties as assigned by the principal or other administrative staff, which are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.