Elementary School Counselor

Job Description Position Title : Elementary School Counselor Location : District Locations TBD Department : Behavioral Health & Wellness Reports To : Building Principal Term : Renewing 188-day contract beginning with 2026-27 school year. Following school calendar. Schedule : Mon-Fri Full-time following school hours of operation Salary : Position follows the 2025-2027 Teacher Salary Schedule Summary : The Elementary School Counselor will be responsible for the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program that focuses on learner outcomes, teaching student competencies, and providing services to learners, parents, school staff, and the community. This will include bi‑weekly classroom lessons, individual and small group social skill lessons, providing classroom teacher support, and supporting the MTSS team to meet learners' social and emotional needs. The School Counselor will be responsible for learners in grades K-5 and work collaboratively with administration. Qualifications North Dakota Teaching License with School Counselor credential K-12 Master's Degree in School Counseling or ability to obtain Alternate Access Licensure Experience working with complex learner behaviors is preferred Experience working in an elementary school setting is preferred Experience working in a school setting is preferred Experience as a counselor is preferred Key Responsibilities Collaboration Develops positive, effective working relationships with learners and staff Engages with other district staff in the professional learning community process Communication Consults and collaborates with parents/guardians, educators, and community organizations Connects and shares ideas through appropriate/applicable formats to express thoughts and ideas with integrity Utilizes effective communication skills to facilitate connection and sharing of thoughts and ideas in multiple formats with diverse audiences Establishes and clearly articulates procedures and routines that promote efficiency and appropriate use of time Utilizes questions, discussions, and dialogue that promote critical thinking about diverse perspectives, viewpoints, and experiences Compassion Creates a safe and equitable classroom Empowers learners to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic learners, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information Understands the complexities of cultural and global issues and how they relate to employee and learners experiences Partners with others to resolve potential controversy and conflict through respectful discussion Proactively seeks to understand the ideas, opinions, and skills of others Creativity Incorporates organizational assessments and tools that are concrete, clearly delineated and reflective of the school's needs, including advisory councils, school counselor competency and program assessments, or curriculum, small‑group, and closing‑the‑gap action plans Establishes a classroom culture that values high expectations, work ethic, and a growth mindset Develops and implements data/needs‑driven, standards‑based and research‑supported programs, and engages in continuous program evaluation activities Connects with team members and shares ideas in an effort to improve the overall learner and employee experience Critical Thinking Creates a comprehensive school counseling program focusing on learner outcomes Reasons, interprets, and analyzes information to generate new knowledge and understanding Reflection Maintains communication with supervisor and director regarding general feedback, career advancement opportunities, and areas of growth opportunities Resilience Maintains composure while dealing with stressful situations Proactively seeks out resolutions and takes initiative to resolve knowledge gaps Responsibility Instruct learner competencies and deliver with identified professional competencies ASCA Student Standards guide the development ASCA School Counselor Guidelines guide the decision‑making process and help to standardize professional practice Provides direct and indirect learner services Seeks out and provides input on referrals for additional assistance as needed Utilizes district behavioral plan as the backbone to promote positive learner behavior Utilizes the district protocol for maintaining information about learner progress Serves as the school's 504 case manager by coordinating meetings, facilitating team decisions, maintaining documentation, and ensuring implementation of student accommodations Physical Demands and Work Environment Regularly required to reach with hands and arms Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, talk, and hear Vision abilities required: close and peripheral vision May be required to lift up to approximately 30 pounds Works with the public and various WFPS staff while simultaneously managing several competing demands Works in an environment that has a quiet to loud noise level Language Skills Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions and short correspondences in the English language Ability to communicate effectively verbally, expressively, and reactively Other Skills And Abilities Exercise confidentiality, discretion, and good judgment Adhere to the assigned work schedule by maintaining regular and punctual attendance Supervisory Responsibilities None Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The West Fargo Public School District is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from discrimination and harassment in all employment and educational programs, activities, and facilities. The District prohibits discrimination and harassment based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or other protected status by law. External applicants are eligible for ND Veteran's Preference: North Dakota veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a form DD214, and if claiming disabled veteran's status, a current letter of disability. West Fargo Public Schools is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all hiring and employment practices. #J-18808-Ljbffr West Fargo Public Schools