School Counselor (Elementary)

Job Description

Job Description

School Counselor (Grades 3-6)

Falk School | Buffalo, NY

Pay: Starting at $33.96 per hour ($47,556 per school year)
Schedule: Monday – Friday | 7:35 AM – 2:35 PM

At Falk School, our mission is to provide a supportive, transformational learning community. We believe every student deserves a learning environment where they feel valued, challenged, and empowered to succeed.

Founded in 1986, Falk School serves students ages 5–21 across four Western New York campuses through highly structured classrooms and individualized educational supports. As an affiliate of Child & Family Services, we are committed to helping students build the academic, behavioral, and life skills needed to thrive.

Our classrooms are intentionally small—typically six students supported by one teacher and one teacher aide—allowing educators to develop meaningful relationships while providing individualized instruction and support.

As a School Counselor , you'll play a vital role in supporting students' social-emotional well-being, behavioral growth, and overall success. Through individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, and collaboration with families and school staff, you'll help students build the skills and confidence needed to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.

✔ Small classroom sizes (typically 6 students)

✔ Collaborative and supportive multidisciplinary teams

✔ Short School-day schedule (7:35 AM – 2:35 PM)

✔ Paid school breaks and holidays

✔ Optional six-week summer session

✔ Meaningful relationships with students

✔ Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

✔ Make a lasting impact every day

• Provide individual and group counseling services aligned with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Assess students' social-emotional, behavioral, and counseling needs using formal and informal assessment methods.
• Develop and implement interventions that support student success academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, related service providers, and families to support student growth and well-being.
• Assist in developing and implementing schoolwide social-emotional learning and character education initiatives.
• Provide consultation, resources, and guidance to staff and families regarding student needs and available supports.
• Respond effectively to student crises and utilize Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques when necessary to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Maintain accurate counseling documentation and participate in IEP meetings, student planning, and multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Serve as a positive role model while promoting appropriate coping skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and healthy decision-making.

• Valid New York State School Counselor Certification or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) required.
• Knowledge of special education laws, principles, and best practices.
• Experience providing individual and group counseling to children or adolescents, preferably in a school or special education setting.
• Strong assessment, crisis intervention, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment

Falk School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Keywords: School Counselor, School Counseling, Guidance Counselor, Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW, Student Support, Mental Health Counselor, Social Emotional Learning, Special Education, Behavioral Health, School Social Worker, School-Based Counselor