Special Education Counselor

Primary Purpose:

Provide specialized counseling services to students served through special education, ensuring their social, emotional, and behavioral needs are addressed in alignment with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Deliver direct and crisis counseling and support the development of behavior intervention plans. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, families, and staff to promote student well-being, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and district requirements.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, psychology, social work, or a closely related field
• Valid Texas certification or licensure in one or more of the following:
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)
  • Texas School Counselor Certificate

Experience

• Professional experience providing counseling services as an LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LSSP, or school counselor
• Counseling experience in an educational or clinical setting (preferred)
• Experience working with students in special education (preferred)
• Special Education Teaching experience (preferred)

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and district policies related to special education, parent/student rights, and the IEP process
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, abnormal psychology, and counseling techniques for students with disabilities
• Knowledge of emotional and behavioral conditions (e.g., Emotional Disturbance, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders) and related interventions
• Skill in counseling, crisis intervention, and de-escalation strategies
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to foster trust and respect
• Ability to collaborate effectively with students, staff, parents, and community partners to support student success
• Ability to present information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (preferred)

Key Responsibilities:

Counseling and Direct Services

• Provide individual and group counseling services to students eligible under their IEPs, using research-based methods.
• Deliver crisis counseling when needed, supporting students in urgent situations.
• Develop and implement student behavior intervention and improvement plans.
• Monitor and report student progress on counseling and behavioral IEP goals each grading period.

Assessment and Evaluation

• Conduct counseling evaluations within required legal timelines or as determined by the IEP committee.
• Present evaluation results, counseling recommendations, and progress updates to the multidisciplinary team and the IEP committee.
• Maintain accurate service notes and documentation for all evaluations and interventions, including IEP goals.

Consultation and Collaboration

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, IEP committees, campus staff, and parents to support student success.
• Provide behavioral consultation and guidance to teachers, administrators, and support staff.
• Offer professional recommendations and advocate for student and family needs during IEP meetings.
• Partner with outside agencies when appropriate to support student services.

Training and Professional Development

• Conduct professional development and staff training in counseling practices, behavioral interventions, and compliance requirements.
• Stay current with research and clinical practices in school counseling and special education.

Compliance and Program Support

• Ensure counseling services comply with federal, state, and district regulations, including SHARS and X-Logs documentation.
• Serve as a campus resource to support compliance with all special education regulations.
• Compile, maintain, and file required reports, records, and documentation.
• Adhere to ethical, legal, and professional standards for school counselors, maintaining professional competence.
• Comply with applicable board policies, State Board of Education rules, and district/campus routines to ensure legal and programmatic alignment.

Additional Responsibilities

• Adhere to all district policies, procedures, and expectations as outlined in the employee handbook and administrative regulations.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participate in professional development, faculty/department meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Perform additional duties assigned to support the mission and goals of the district and department.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior

Environment: Work inside, may work outside

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Appointment:
The Superintendent of Schools will approve the appointment of this position based on the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise.