Position: Coordinator of Elementary Counseling (PreK-5)

Department: Gator Wellness Center

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Immediate Supervisor:  Director of Mental Health and Elementary Counseling

Pay Grade: Per Compensation Manual, AP6

Days Employed: Per Compensation Manual, 221

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Serve as a strategic leader and advocate for the district’s comprehensive school counseling program in grades PreK-5
• Designed for a proactive visionary educator who balances administrative oversight and dedication to supporting campus counselors, students, and families
• Serve as a leader, role model, and guide
• Elevate the standard of care across all elementary campuses by teaching and supporting others, by overseeing that best practices are in place, ensuring continuity, and overseeing the Elementary Counselors (PreK-5)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree in school counseling
• Valid Texas Counseling Certification

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of successful elementary school counseling experience with demonstrated leadership in crisis management

Special Knowledge/Skills: 

• A deep desire to serve those who serve students
• Advanced knowledge of child development and the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling 
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and command a room during a crisis or training session
• Strong communication, interpersonal, consultation, and counseling skills
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices related to student well-being and education
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse and dynamic school environment
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills 
• Demonstrate proficiency in using technology for documentation, communication, and presentation purposes

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Mentorship

• Act as the primary facilitator/coach for elementary counselors, providing professional development and guidance on implementing the comprehensive counseling model
• Demonstrate exemplary counseling ethics, cultural competence, and communication skills in all interactions with staff and stakeholders
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the elementary comprehensive school counseling program to ensure alignment with state and national standards & make program recommendations to the Director

Crisis Response & Direct Support

• Assist during situations to manage grief, suicidal ideation, violence ideation, threat assessments, and trauma experience situations.
• Act as the interim elementary campus counselor when a campus counselor is out for extended periods
• Actively be a member of the district's School Behavioral Threat Assessment Team. 
• Serve as a member of the DISD Crisis Response Team

Counseling Practicum/DISD Counselor Development & Leadership Program

• Manage the recruitment, approval process, placement, and supervision of graduate-level counseling interns
• Provide structured group and individual supervision for interns, ensuring they meet university requirements 
• Provide those seeking school counseling degrees with professional development to help guide them on their journey to becoming a certified school counselor

Strategic Support

• Provide support for campus counselors and administrators in implementing a comprehensive school counseling program
• Support quality implementation of lesson plans, small-group curricula, and mental health resources for district-wide use
• Utilize data to support, analyze, and audit campus counseling programs

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise Elementary Counselors' implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment:

• Standard office and instructional equipment; adaptive equipment as needed

Physical Demands:

• Frequent walking, standing, kneeling, stooping, lifting light to heavy objects (up to 45 lbs)

Environmental Conditions:

• Indoor and outdoor work; possible exposure to weather, noise, and biological hazards

Mental Demands:

• High emotional resilience; ability to manage frequent interruptions and sensitive situations
• Occasional irregular hours and district-wide travel

Professional Dress:

• Dress must be clean, neat, and appropriate for the role. No visible body piercings other than earrings.

EVALUATION:

• Performance will be evaluated annually through self-evaluation, principal review, and the T-PESS system as applicable