Counselor

Purpose Statement The school counselor assists students in overcoming problems that impede learning and to assist students in making educational, occupational and life plans. Elementary school counselors balance their counseling programs by addressing students’ academic, career and social/emotional development in addition to balancing the delivery methods, recognizing that students learn in multiple ways. The end result of this work is reflected in an improvement in academics, attendance and discipline outcomes related to academic development, college and career readiness and social/ emotional development. Counselor Location: Mountain Trail Middle School FTE: 1.0 Interim Position Dates: 7/27/2026 - 5/27/2027 Purpose Statement The school counselor assists students in overcoming problems that impede learning and to assist students in making educational, occupational and life plans. Elementary school counselors balance their counseling programs by addressing students’ academic, career and social/emotional development in addition to balancing the delivery methods, recognizing that students learn in multiple ways. The end result of this work is reflected in an improvement in academics, attendance and discipline outcomes related to academic development, college and career readiness and social/ emotional development. This job reports to Site Administrator Essential Functions Provide individual counseling and group guidance to help students cope effectively with personal, social, academic, career, and family concerns. Support the implementation of Social Emotional Learning instruction and practices. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and supporting agencies concerning the needs and abilities of students. Advocate for students at individual education plan meetings, student study teams, and school attendance hearings, as necessary. Consulting with the school principal to identify and resolve student issues, needs and problems. Consult with teachers about building classroom connections, effective classroom management and the role of noncognitive factors in student success. Provide academic support, including organizational, study and test-taking skills, goal setting and decision-making. Assists students with developing an Educational/Career Action Plan for the purpose of supporting them in pursuing their middle school and high school goals, when appropriate. Provide student services to support conflict resolution, bullying prevention and awareness, and crisis intervention. Supporting the overall district’s educational program through general consultation activities and committee work. Facilitate classroom counseling guidance programs. Convey to parents and staff, regarding specific student needs in academic, and personal/social areas. Provide students, parents and staff with prevention and intervention programs, behavior management, effective decision making and goal setting. Maintain records of counseling services and consulting contacts. Assist in identification and evaluation of children with special needs. Assist the staff and parents with the interpretation of evaluative data and other student records. Cooperate with outside agencies and other Special Needs services within the district. Adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards as outlined by ASCA. Maintain accurate records for compliance with district, federal and state guidelines. Follow state law and district policy with cases involving child abuse and neglect. Provide on-going consultation and support to teachers and teams in the implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Plans for students experiencing difficulties. Participate in the District Crisis Team, if desired. May be required to participate in student meetings which occur beyond the staff’s work assignment schedule. Perform other duties as assigned. Other Functions Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit. Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications Skills, Knowledge And Abilities SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; preparing and maintaining accurate records; planning and managing projects; using pertinent software applications. KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: stages of child development; age appropriate activities/behaviors; assessment instruments and techniques. ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job‑related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing a variety of complex processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job‑related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; working with frequent interruptions. Responsibility Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services. Work Environment The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 30% sitting, 10% walking, and 60% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations. Experience School Counseling experience is desired. Teaching experience preferred. Demonstrated success in mediation & relationship building. Education Certified School Counselor or Licensed Counselor Required Testing Arizona Department of Education Counseling Certificate Clearances Criminal Background Clearance Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card FLSA Status - Exempt Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information NonDiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human #J-18808-Ljbffr