Special Education Counselor

JOB TITLE: Special Education Counselor

HOUR STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of SPED

PAY GRADE: AP3/192 Days

DEPT./SCHOOL: Special Education

DATE REVISED: 06/2026

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Special Education Counselor provides direct and consultative counseling services to students receiving special education services who have social, emotional, behavioral, physical, or transitional needs that may impact their educational experience. This role involves collaboration with school staff, families, and external support agencies to create a supportive and inclusive environment that addresses the individual needs of students with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related mental health field

Certification:

Valid Texas counseling certificate or licensure (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMSW, or school counselor certification)

Experience:

Practicum or internship experience in school or clinical settings

Experience providing counseling services to children or adolescents with disabilities

Experience with ARD/IEP processes and team collaboration preferred

Skills and Qualities

Deep understanding of emotional/behavioral disabilities and the impact on functioning

Familiarity with IEP processes, transition planning, and related services under IDEA

Strong skills in therapeutic counseling techniques and behavioral interventions

Excellent collaboration, communication, and documentation skills

Ability to consult with multidisciplinary teams, families, and external providers

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Counseling and Support Services

Provide one-on-one and group counseling to students in a variety of settings including special education and general education classrooms

Deliver classroom-based and push-in support focused on social skills, self-regulation, emotional awareness, and coping strategies

Facilitate responsive services for students exhibiting emotional distress or behavioral needs

Coach students in crisis or conflict situations using trauma-informed, supportive practices

Provide peer mediated groups with identified students, as well as social skills training in the BSC per ARD or BSC request

Collaboration and Consultation

Work directly with special education and general education teachers to ensure students’ support needs are understood and met

Collaborate with related service providers (OT, PT, SLP, school psychologists) for holistic planning

Assist teams in understanding and implementing interventions and accommodations

Advocate for student needs and effective practices within IEP and staffing meetings

Family Engagement

Support families in understanding the special education process and their rights under IDEA

Serve as a liaison between school and home to improve communication and consistency

Guide families in implementing effective strategies at home to support their child’s development

Refer families to community agencies, mental health resources, and other external supports

Evaluation and IEP Development

Conduct counseling evaluations using appropriate assessment tools

Prepare clear and thorough evaluation reports and Counseling IEP goals

Present evaluation findings and service recommendations to ARD committees

Observe students and provide data-based input on social/emotional functioning

Crisis Response

Respond promptly and appropriately to emotional or behavioral crises

Develop and implement crisis intervention and safety plans in collaboration with staff and families

Support students and staff post-crisis to re-establish a safe and productive environment

Maintain relevant certifications such as Handle With Care and TBSI

Professional Practice

Maintain accurate, confidential, and data-driven documentation

Follow all district, state, and federal guidelines for related services and ethical counseling practices

Participate in ARD meetings, staffings, and professional learning communities

Attend continuing education and professional development activities to improve service delivery

Complete other duties as assigned

Mental Demands

Ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate sensitive situations, and maintain composure under stress

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Full-time position, with occasional evening or weekend work required.

Work is typically performed in a school environment, with frequent in-district travel and occasional travel to other locations.

Occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs)

Extended screen use

Other duties as assigned.

Legal Framework

Services provided by Special Education Counselors fall under Related Services as defined by IDEA (34 CFR §300.34) and are delivered when required for a student to access or benefit from their educational program. Educational need encompasses emotional, behavioral, and social factors, not limited to academic performance.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.

Copperas Cove ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, or age in its programs, activities or employment practices.

For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, contact: Executive Director of Human Resources, (254) 547-1227, 408 S. Main, Copperas Cove, TX 76522