Elementary School Counselor

Elementary School Counselor

Position Title: Elementary School Counselor

Location: Michigan

Reports To: Principal or Director of Student Services

Employment Status: Full-Time, School-Year Position

Position Summary: The Elementary School Counselor supports the academic, social-emotional, and career development needs of students in grades K5. The counselor works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community agencies to create a positive learning environment that promotes student success, well-being, and personal growth. Services are delivered through classroom guidance lessons, individual counseling, small-group counseling, consultation, and crisis intervention.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Support Services:

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to address academic, behavioral, social, and emotional concerns.
• Deliver classroom guidance lessons aligned with the school counseling curriculum and the standards of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
• Assist students in developing self-awareness, self-management, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Support students experiencing personal, family, or school-related challenges.
• Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention as needed.

Academic Support:

• Collaborate with teachers and staff to identify and address barriers to student learning.
• Monitor student progress and assist in developing interventions for academic success.
• Participate in student support teams, MTSS processes, and special education meetings as appropriate.
• Help students develop organizational, study, and goal-setting skills.

Family and Community Engagement:

• Serve as a liaison between school, home, and community resources.
• Consult with parents/guardians regarding student concerns and available support services.
• Coordinate referrals to outside agencies and mental health providers when necessary.
• Provide parent education and resources related to child development and student well-being.

School Climate and Leadership:

• Promote a safe, inclusive, and positive school environment.
• Support school-wide initiatives related to attendance, behavior, social-emotional learning, and bullying prevention.
• Participate in crisis response planning and implementation.
• Collaborate with administrators and staff to improve student outcomes and school culture.

Program Management:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records in accordance with federal and state laws.
• Collect and analyze data to assess program effectiveness and student needs.
• Participate in professional development and maintain required certifications.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Certification: Valid Michigan School Counselor Certification and/or endorsement as required by the Michigan Department of Education.
• Ability to meet all state and district employment requirements.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of child development, counseling techniques, and social-emotional learning practices. Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations and families. Understanding of trauma-informed practices and behavioral interventions. Proficiency with student information systems and educational technology. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
• Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience working with elementary-aged students. Experience with MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, and crisis response. Training in social-emotional learning programs and mental health support.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to move throughout the school building and campus. Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and families. Ability to perform duties requiring sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting of educational materials.
• Compensation and Benefits: Salary and benefits are provided in accordance with district policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable Michigan laws.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: The district is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or any other protected status under applicable law.