What are the responsibilities and job description for the Elementary School Counselor position at Multiple Buildings?
Cedar Springs Public Schools is seeking an Elementary School Counselor starting in the 2026-2027 school year. CSPS invites anyone with proper certification or licensure to consider applying for this position. We are excited to engage with quality candidates that are friendly, organized, self-motivated problem solvers and enjoy working in a team environment meeting the individual needs of students.
Position Summary
The Elementary School Counselor serves as a key leader and collaborator within the school’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) frameworks. The counselor works to promote the academic, career, and social-emotional development of all students. By partnering with administrators, teachers, and families, the counselor ensures systemic barriers to student success are removed and behavioral interventions are implemented equitably.
Key Responsibilities by Tier:
Tier 1: Universal Supports (All Students)
- Core Curriculum: Deliver a standards-based, preventative school counseling curriculum focusing on social-emotional learning, academic success, and career awareness to all classrooms. Trails to Wellness Tier 1 Social Emotional Learning Curriculum coordination.
- PBIS Integration: Actively support the school-wide PBIS team to define, teach, and acknowledge universal behavioral expectations.
- Universal Screening: Assist in reviewing school-wide academic and behavioral data/screeners to identify systemic needs and students requiring additional support.
Tier 2: Targeted Supports (Some Students - At-Risk)
- Small Group Counseling: Facilitate evidence-based, short-term small group counseling focusing on topics such as emotional regulation, social skills, grief, and executive functioning.
- Progress Monitoring: Implement systemic interventions (e.g., Check-In/Check-Out systems) and regularly collect data to determine if students are responding to Tier 2 supports or need adjustments.
- Consultation: Collaborate closely with general education teachers to provide strategies and accommodations for students identified as at-risk.
Tier 3: Intensive Interventions
- Individual Counseling: Provide intensive, short-term individual counseling and crisis intervention for students with complex social, emotional, or behavioral needs.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Participate in Tier 3 problem-solving teams, contributing developmental, behavioral, and mental health perspectives.
- Community Referrals: Connect families with external mental health professionals, community resources, and specialized educational support systems.
- 504 Plans, Functional Behavior Assessments & Positive Behavior Support Plans
Qualifications & Professional Expectations:
- Education & Certification: Master's degree in School Counseling, a valid Michigan school counseling credential, and a clear understanding of MTSS/PBIS protocols.
- School Counselor endorsement (NT) or Michigan School Counselor License (SCL) required
- Data-Driven Mindset: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data on attendance, behavior, social emotional, and academics to drive program decisions.
- Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary support teams, administrators, students, and families.
REPORTS TO: Building Principal / Director of Student Well Being and Support Services
START DATE: 2026-2027 School Year
SALARY RANGE: Commensurate with experience and qualifications according to CSEA Agreement
WHO ARE WE? Cedar Springs Public Schools is a Preschool through 12th-grade public school consisting of over 3,000 students and nearly 400 employees. We are located within the city limits of Cedar Springs, Michigan in Kent County. Cedar Springs Public Schools is one of 20 member public
school districts within the Kent Intermediate School District (KISD). We are unique in that our schools are all located within a single campus setting with the exception of the Middle School which is located 1 mile south of the main campus. The setting is secure, picturesque, and allows easy access for families participating in activities for more than one child.
Our exemplary educational system is a result of the collaborative efforts of parents, students, school and community. Together, we are providing opportunities for students to reach their full potential by providing a well-rounded educational experience. WE are RED HAWKS!
APPLICATIONS: Submit an application, cover letter and resume by clicking here. NO HARD COPY APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED/REVIEWED VIA MAIL OR HAND DELIVERY.