2026-27 Counselor or Social Worker - Desert Shadows ES - REVISED

Counselor - Elementary School Location: Desert Shadows Elementary School

FTE: 1.0

Interim Position Dates: 7/27/2026 - 5/27/2027 Purpose Statement The elementary school counselor assists students in overcoming problems that impede learning and helps them develop educational, occupational and life plans. The counselor balances academic, career and social/emotional development, employing multiple delivery methods that address diverse learning styles. The result is improved academics, attendance and disciplinary outcomes, supporting college and career readiness and social‑emotional growth. This job reports to: Site Administrator Essential Functions Provide individual counseling and group guidance to help students cope effectively with personal, social, academic, career, and family concerns. Support the implementation of Social Emotional Learning instruction and practices. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and supporting agencies about students’ needs and abilities. Advocate for students at individual education plan meetings, student study teams, and school attendance hearings as needed. Consult with the school principal to identify and resolve student issues, needs and problems. Collaborate with teachers to strengthen classroom connections, effective classroom management and emphasize non‑cognitive factors in student success. Provide academic support, including organizational, study and test‑taking skills, goal setting and decision‑making. Assist students in developing an Educational/Career Action Plan to support middle school and high school goals when appropriate. Provide conflict resolution, bullying prevention, and crisis intervention services. Support the district’s educational program through general consultation activities and committee work. Facilitate classroom counseling guidance programs. Inform parents and staff about specific student needs in academic and personal/social areas. Offer prevention and intervention programs focusing on behavior management, decision making, and goal setting. Maintain accurate records of counseling services and consulting contacts. Assist in identification and evaluation of children with special needs. Help staff and parents interpret evaluative data and other student records. Cooperate with outside agencies and other Special Needs services within the district. Adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards as outlined by ASCA. Maintain compliance records with district, federal, and state guidelines. Follow state law and district policy in cases involving child abuse and neglect. Provide ongoing consultation and support to teachers and teams implementing Positive Behavior Intervention Plans. Participate in the District Crisis Team if desired. Attend student meetings outside normal work hours when necessary. Perform other duties as assigned. Other Functions Performs other related duties as assigned to promote efficient and effective work unit functioning. Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications Skills, Knowledge and Abilities SKILLS: Perform multiple technical tasks, upgrade skills periodically, use assessment instruments, prepare accurate records, plan and manage projects, and use pertinent software applications. KNOWLEDGE: Understand stages of child development, age‑appropriate activities, assessment instruments, and techniques; analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. ABILITIES: Schedule numerous activities and events, gather, collate, and classify data, and operate basic equipment; remain flexible; work independently and with diverse groups; solve problems using data and organizational objectives; communicate with diverse groups, maintain confidentiality, meet deadlines, set priorities, and work as part of a team. Responsibilities include working under limited supervision using standardized practices, leading and coordinating others, and utilizing resources from other units as required. Work Environment Physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling; fine finger dexterity. Work requires approximately 30% sitting, 10% walking, and 60% standing. Minimal temperature variation. Experience School counseling experience is desired. Teaching experience preferred. Demonstrated success in mediation and relationship building. Education Certified School Counselor or Licensed Counselor Required Testing, Certificates and Licenses Arizona Department of Education Counseling Certificate Continuing Education / Training Clearances Criminal Background Clearance Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card FLSA Status Exempt Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information Non‑Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. #J-18808-Ljbffr Paradise Valley Unified School District