DAEP/AEP Counselor - DAEP/AEP (2026-2027)

Primary Purpose:

The Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP)/Alternative Education Program (AEP) Counselor plays a pivotal role in a student’s life, acting as the bridge between disciplinary and academic intervention and long-term success. This specific role focuses on providing social-emotional support while ensuring students remain on track for high school graduation and post-secondary transitions and provides comprehensive developmental school counseling services. Unlike a traditional campus counselor, this role requires a deep focus on trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and post-secondary advocacy for students who are often at higher risk of dropping out.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree in counseling from an accredited college or university
• Valid Texas school counselor certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, and career development
• Knowledge of state graduation requirements
• Experience with restorative practices
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Proficiency in crisis management
• Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students, parents, and district staff

Experience:

Minimum of two years of secondary counseling, high school preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Social-Emotional & Behavioral Support

1.   Responsive Services: Provide immediate support for students experiencing emotional distress or behavioral escalations.

2.   Individual & Group Counseling: Facilitate sessions focusing on anger management, conflict resolution, substance abuse awareness, and coping strategies.

3.   Restorative Practices: Lead restorative circles to help students take accountability and prepare for a successful reintegration into their home campus.

4.   Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP): Collaborate with staff to implement and monitor BIPs that address the root causes of disciplinary issues. Academic & Post-Secondary Planning

5.   Expanded Learning: Monitor student progress in credit recovery or accelerated learning environments to ensure they meet graduation requirements.

6.   Personal Graduation Plans (PGP): Conduct one-on-one audits of transcripts and update graduation plans, ensuring no student falls behind due to their alternative placement.

7.   College & Career Readiness: Guide students through FAFSA/TASFA applications, college applications, trade school admissions, and military recruitment, even during short-term placements.

8.   Transition Services: Coordinate "Exit Interviews" and transition meetings with the student’s home campus to ensure continuity of academic and emotional support.

9.   Coordinate Testing: Collaborate with district and campus testing facilitators for district, state, and national testing for students in DAEP/ AEP/summer school.

Advocacy & Collaboration

9.   Family Engagement: Act as a liaison between the school and families, providing resources for community-based mental health services.

10.   Campus Intervention Team: Serve as a core member of the campus intervention team to identify students needing Tier 2 or Tier 3 support.

11.   Staff Training: Provide required counselor professional development for DAEP/AEP/Summer School staff. Program

Management and Administration

12.   Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents.

13.   Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

14.   Adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards for school counselors including current professional standards of competence and practice.

Other

15.   Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

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