Elementary School Counselor

Dallas Center Elementary School Counselor

SUMMARY: The Elementary School Counselor supports the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development of students in grades K4. The counselor collaborates with staff, families, and community partners to promote student well-being, build foundational life skills, and ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. This role emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and the development of social-emotional competencies appropriate for young learners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with elementary standards, including classroom guidance, small groups, and individual support.
• Provide short-term individual and group counseling focused on social-emotional learning, self-regulation, peer relationships, and problem-solving skills.
• Support students with behavioral needs through skill-building, behavior intervention strategies, and collaboration with staff.
• Assist in identifying student needs through observation, data review, and collaboration with teachers and families.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to promote a positive school climate and address barriers to learning.
• Facilitate school-wide programs focused on character education, mental health awareness, attendance, and positive behavior supports.
• Participate in student support teams, MTSS processes, IEP or 504 meetings, and multidisciplinary planning groups.
• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, mandated reporting, and follow district protocols in emergency situations.
• Support students during transitions (e.g., preschool to kindergarten, grade-to-grade transitions, and entry/exit from the school).
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.
• Communicate effectively with families regarding student needs, supports, and available resources.
• Refer students and families to outside agencies and community resources as appropriate.
• Participate in professional development, district trainings, and ongoing learning related to school counseling and child development.
• Promote and follow Board of Education policies, district procedures, and professional ethical standards.

EDUCATION & RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling, or a related field required.
• Experience working with elementary-aged students preferred.
• Experience with social-emotional learning, behavior intervention, or early childhood development preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Criminal background check required.
• Valid State of Iowa School Counselor license required.
• Additional training in trauma-informed practices, behavior intervention, or play-based counseling preferred.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of child development, elementary counseling practices, and social-emotional learning frameworks.
• Ability to implement age-appropriate counseling strategies, including play-based and skill-building approaches.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills for working with young children, families, and staff.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to ethical and legal standards.
• Ability to use school information systems and data tools to monitor student progress and interventions.
• Ability to foster a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive school environment.
• Ability to remain current with district standards, data privacy practices, and cybersecurity policies related to student information.

Job Description:
Elementary School Counselor