SY: School Counselor - Elementary

Title:

School Counselor - Elementary


Work Unit:

Sweeney Elementary School

Reports To:

Principal(s)/Student Wellness Director

Contract Length:

9 month

Pay Schedule:

Ancillary

Overtime Status:

Exempt

Hours:

7 hours per day


Union Status:

NEA

Licensure:

NMPED School Counselor

All positions with Santa Fe Public Schools require a post-offer/pre-employment background check. Some positions have additional requirements as established by Federal or State Rules and Regulations.


General Function:
The Elementary School Counselor is responsible for implementing a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program that supports students' academic achievement, career readiness, and social/emotional development. Grounded in the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and aligned with district policies, this position requires strong collaboration with educators, families, and community stakeholders to promote student success and well-being.


Education/Training/Experience
(Basic minimum requirements are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the District.)
Minimum: Current School Counselor License from the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Preferred: Previous experience as an elementary school counselor. Previous experience working with the ASCA National Model. Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.


Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:
Strong ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with students, families, staff, and community members across diverse backgrounds, both in person and through digital platforms (e.g., video conferencing, phone, email). Demonstrated interpersonal skills that foster trust, confidentiality, and positive relationships with adolescents and adults. Highly organized and flexible, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines in a school environment.
Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills to support student needs, mediate conflicts, and guide academic and career planning. Proficient in interpreting and applying educational research, legal guidelines, professional standards, and district policies relevant to school counseling. Skilled in using technology to analyze and present student data, develop reports, maintain communication, and support counseling program objectives. Confident in delivering presentations and facilitating discussions with students, parents, school teams, and community groups.


Essential Job Functions
All functions are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Functions are subject to change over time to meet the organization's needs. Current essential functions include the following:

1. Academic Development: Assist students in developing and achieving academic goals and educational plans. Monitor and support student academic progress, including interventions as needed. Collaborate with teachers and administrators to promote academic success. Support students in developing study skills, time management, and self-advocacy.
2. Career Development: Introduce students to a wide range of career options through engaging and age-appropriate exploration activities. Facilitate lessons and events that build awareness of personal interests, strengths, and the connection between school and future careers. Support students in beginning to identify potential high school and postsecondary pathways. Guide students through the development and annual review of Next Step Plans (academic and career plans).
3. Social/Emotional Development: Deliver developmentally appropriate classroom lessons to foster social and emotional skills. Provide individual and group counseling to support students' social and emotional well-being. Respond to student mental health concerns and connect families to community-based services. Support conflict resolution, peer relationships, and crisis intervention as needed.
4. Individual Student Planning: Engage students in age-appropriate activities that help them build self-awareness, set personal goals, and develop foundational academic and social skills. Support students in identifying their interests and strengths. Collaborate with families and staff to support students' growth and readiness for the transition to middle school. Guide students to understand the value of learning and develop a positive outlook on their future.
5. Responsive Services: Provide immediate support to students in crisis or experiencing personal issues. Facilitate referrals to internal and external mental health resources. Serve on school crisis response and/or threat assessment teams. Maintain confidentiality while fulfilling mandatory reporting obligations.
6. System Support and Program Management: Develop and manage a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model. Use student data to identify needs, measure outcomes, and adjust programming. Participate in the School Wellness Team and other school-wide leadership teams and initiatives. Attends relevant IEP, SAT, and 504 meetings as appropriate. Advocate for student inclusion, equity, and access to educational opportunities and resources.
7. Collaboration and Consultation: Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, families, and community agencies. Provide consultation to staff regarding student development and behavior strategies. Act as a liaison between the school and external support systems.
8. Ethics: Abide by ethical standards as outlined by ASCA and relevant state laws and regulations. Uphold and enforce the Santa Fe Public Schools Code of Conduct, administrative directives and regulations, school board policies, and local, state, and federal regulations. Maintains appropriate confidentiality. Consults with district personnel, including the Executive Director of Student Wellness, when necessary. Model and encourage awareness and respect for the cultural diversity of students, families, and staff. Demonstrate cultural competence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
9. Professionalism: Maintain accurate and confidential student records. Engage in professional development, attend district meetings and trainings, and stay current with best practices in school counseling. Maintains current New Mexico School Counselor license.
10. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Salary Range:
Tier 2 License: $65,000+
Tier 3 License: $75,000+


Resources Used in Performing the Job Include (but are not limited to):
Typical office equipment, including: computer, keyboard, and relevant software programs.


Physical/Cognitive Requirements:
Minimal lifting. A student at immediate risk of harm to self or others may require physical restraint by an employee with Crisis Intervention/Prevention training.


Environmental Conditions:
The noise level is usually moderate. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally required to travel to other facilities within the district.


Personal Accountability:

1. Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality
2. Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness
3. Begins and completes work within the allotted time
4. Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment
5. Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment, including its capabilities, limitations, and appropriate/special applications
6. Protects the District's resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment
7. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury

Santa Fe Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, medical/genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.