2026-2027 Counselor-Elementary

The job of Counselor - Elementary School is done for the purpose/s of implementing the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Program. The four primary strands are: 1) Guidance Curriculum 2) Individual Planning 3) Responsive Services 4) System Support. More specifically, activities within these strands include: providing support to the instructional process with responsibility for helping students develop career/life goals; support student academic achievement; provide individual and group counseling to students; providing support during a crisis; work with community agencies; and partner with parents, teachers, support staff and the community.

This job reports to Principal - Elementary School

Essential Functions

• Advises students and families on course selection for the purpose of securing appropriate placement and meeting their post-secondary eligibility requirements.
• Assists staff members with parent or district referrals for section 504 for the purpose of determining eligibility and educational modifications and/or accommodations.
• Collaborates with administration, staff, student, families and community for the purpose of supporting and/or solving educational and socio-emotional issues.
• Develops a variety of special programs (e.g. career night, parents meetings, etc.) for the purpose of providing information to assist students in the successful transition to post-secondary education.
• Monitors students' progress for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success.
• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. workshops, committees, community groups, etc.) for the purpose of gathering and sharing information related to job assignment.
• Partners with district coordinators (e.g. 504, Counseling Leads, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring consistency and leveraging knowledge and expertise.
• Performs individual and group counseling and guidance functions and activities for the purpose of enhancing student success.
• Presents information of interest to a variety of staff, students and families for the purpose of communicating information that will aid them in the student's educational and socio-emotional development.
• Promotes leadership/enrichment and club membership opportunities for the purpose of ensuring equitable access to all students.
• Serves as a case manager for 504 plans within assigned building for the purpose of ensuring plans are implemented accordingly.
• Teaches classroom lessons on a variety of topics (e.g. coping strategies, stress management, social skills, etc.) for the purpose of increasing student success.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the Guidance program and school.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

  Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally 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; and 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; codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; community resources; and treatment modalities and assessment.

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; and working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. 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.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and some fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing. The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment.

 Experience

Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired.

Education

Masters degree in job related area.

Equivalency

None Specified

Required Testing

Praxis II

Continuing Educ. / Training

None Specified

Certificates & Licenses

Missouri School Counseling Certificate

Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status

Approval Date

Salary Grade