Part Time Special Education Counselor

Special Education Counselor (Part Time)

Location: DISD Office/ Itinerant

Reports To: Director of Special Education

Salary Schedule: DISD Scale

Date Revised: 07/09/2023

Exemption Status: Exempt

Primary Purpose

Plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive program of guidance, including counseling services, to eligible special education students. Provide a proactive program to encourage special needs students to maximize growth and development.

Qualifications

Education/Certification: Master's degree in guidance and counseling

Valid Texas counseling certificate and/or Texas License as a Professional Counselor (LPC)

Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of assessment including behavioral, adaptive, and personality areas

Knowledge of counseling procedures

Expertise in behavioral intervention related to school success and school/family coordination

Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations and current legal issues

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience: Three years teaching experience or three years counseling experience with school-age children

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Guidance

• Provide guidance to ARD committees in developing social skills objectives and behavior intervention plans
• Provide social skills training, behavior intervention and other strategies for effective behavioral change
• Counsel individuals and small groups as recommended by the ARD committee
• Help solve student conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment

Consultation

• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators and other relevant people to enhance their work with students
• Work with school personnel to obtain community resources for students and families
• Provide psychological crisis counseling for children and families
• Provide social skills training, behavior management and other strategies
• Help families and schools deal with crises, such as separation, death and loss

Assessment

• Conduct counseling evaluations on students recommended by ARD committee
• Interpret evaluation results for ARD committees

Other

• Keep abreast of new research and information on testing instruments concerning reliability, validity, interpretations and new instruments
• Keep abreast of continual changes and the most current legal interpretations of state and federal guidelines, Commissioner's Rules and DISD operating guidelines
• Collaborate with classroom teachers regarding students' progress on IEP goals and objectives
• Communicate effectively with administrators, colleagues, students and parents
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the assessment program, materials and equipment and make recommendations to the Director of Special Education based on findings
• Attend and participate in campus and district level in-service meetings upon request
• Participate in professional development opportunities to improve skills related to job responsibilities
• Compile reports as requested by DISD administration
• Turn in all folders and submit reports in a timely manner
• Act in a professional manner and maintain a professional attitude towards the public and colleagues
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; adhere to chain of command
• Maintain professional appearance as appropriate for job responsibilities
• Observe professional and ethical standards, in accordance with TEA and the National Association of School Psychologists
• Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Special Education
• Travel between campuses

Supervisory Responsibilities

As specified by administration

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Maintain emotional control under stress. Regularly travel to assigned campuses in Denison ISD. Moderate lifting and carrying of materials required. Effective communication skills required and ability to interact effectively with a variety of people and professions.