Elementary School Counselor

POSITION:Elementary School Counselor LOCATIONS:               Dearborn, MichiganJOB GOALS:

• To participate in the planning and implementation of the developmental guidance and counseling program, in relation to the needs of the students being served.
• To provide guidance, counseling, coordination, consultation, referral and delivery of information al services.
• To assist in promoting parent involvement, program services, program and curriculum support where appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS:1.    Must possess a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with Guidance Counselor (NT) endorsement or Michigan School Guidance Counselor license with the appropriate endorsement and grade level.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:1.    Ability to cooperate with staff, parents/guardians, administration and community resource people. 2.    Able to demonstrate effective communication skills.3.    Ability to develop rapport with students.4.    Able to analyze and offer problem-solving and restorative justice techniques.5.    Have patience.6.    Able to emphasize and understand students’ concerns.7.    Knowledge and appreciation of culturally relevant pedagogy. 8.    Counseling and/or teaching experience preferred.RESPONSIBILITES: 1.    Assists students with academic, emotional, social, or behavioral problems.2.    Shows concern for the complete needs of each student (educational, personal and social).3.    Consults with parents/guardians, teachers, support staff, administration and any local agencies which might be of assistance to the students.4.    Provides parents/guardians with accurate, comprehensive and relevant information in an objective and caring manner.5.    Collaborates with staff to enhance understanding of all aspects of the student’s development and its impact on learning.6.    Assists students in understanding and navigating school culture.7.    Teaches conflict resolution and restorative justice skills.8.    Assists students in dealing with family crisis (e.g., separation, divorce, death, neglect and abuse, unemployment and alcoholism).9.    Provides individual parent and student conferences as necessary.10.  Keeps accurate records of all counseling and guidance activities.11.  Communicates with administrators regularly.12.  Protects the confidentiality of student records and releases personal data in accordance with state laws and Board policies.RELEVANT UNDERSTANDINGS AND COMPETENCIES:§  Awareness of the physical, social, emotional and academic development of the learner.
§  Capable of nurturing the home-school-community relationship.
§  Proficient and knowledgeable in the core subject areas.
§  Able to provide a flexible, stable and pleasant learning environment that is student-centered while maintaining appropriate classroom management.
§  Familiarity with culturally relevant pedagogy and be able to include this pedagogy in his/her teaching practices.
§  Understanding of pertinent learning intervention practices, such as Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
§  Work collaboratively with colleagues in professional learning communities.
§  Knowledge of and practical experience in research based instructional practices.
§  Knowledge and practice with formative and summative assessments to evaluate and improve student achievement.
§  Ability to implement school district curriculum with consistency.
§  Work closely with school leaders to analyze student assessment data and use data to inform instruction.
§  Collaborate in grade level teams to discuss student work, share best practices, and ensure student mastery of standards.
§  Form and maintain relationships with students’ families.  Participate in on-going professional development in the spirit of continuous improvement.