Elementary School Counselor - Alfred Elementary School

REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT NO. 57 Office of the Superintendent Waterboro, ME  04087 JOB TITLE: Elementary School Counselor LOCATION: Alfred Elementary School REPORTS TO: Building Principal or designee QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED: A Master's Degree in Elementary Counseling or similar degree. Must hold a valid State of Maine certificate in counseling. Ability to effectively communicate and work cooperatively with students, staff and families. WORK YEAR: Per MEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. JOB GOALS: To design and implement a school counseling program that aligns with ASCA National Standards as well as the Maine Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model 2.0, with a shared team of stakeholders. This program will provide a balance of direct instruction of curricula, individual and group sessions, and crisis response as needed. To provide dynamic, engaging lessons to students via classroom visits, community assemblies, small groups, etc. as part of a greater team of counselors and staff who are genuinely connected to students. To collaborate with a talented, progressive team that has formed deep, lasting relationships with families and students by providing support to these families aiding in barrier reduction and access to learning and basic needs. To further the development and implementation of our MTSS-B System and Structures to support student needs. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for the planning and performance of counseling services within WES for grades PK-5 in collaboration with counselors and administrators. This includes curricular materials for direct instruction which meet learning objectives. Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with students, families, staff, and the community. Provide short-term individual and group counseling for students when appropriate. Will be available to students for self-referrals and referrals from staff, families, and others. Provide and follow programs for students, within the classroom or small group context, which help students with their own social and emotional development. (I.e., Yale RULER, Strong Start/Strong Kids, Social Thinking, etc.) Provide crisis intervention for students when the occasion(s) arise. Consider student communication as privileged (as enacted by Public Laws 1973, Chapter 484) and as a number one priority. Consult in a positive and collaborative manner with families, faculty, administrators, and other professionals regarding students. Refer students to out-of-school professionals when the MTSS-B team decides it is necessary. Make classroom observations when the counselor and/or teacher consider it in the best interest of the student. Counselors shall adhere to the Code of Ethics sanctioned for school counselors by the The American School Counselors' Association. Assists new students in adjusting to school. Assists students in establishing high standards of conduct. Conducts research pertinent to health, guidance, and remediation. Counsels students on educational and/or personal problems. Helps teachers understand the special needs and/or challenges of individual students and their families. Interprets diagnoses to school personnel and others – when appropriate and there is a "need to know." Be a part of committees that align with the school counseling program or where your expertise is needed (e.g., attendance teams, MTSS-B, etc.) Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the School Board's policy on evaluation. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: Frequent: Sitting, standing, walking, and climbing stairs. Physical Tasks: Bending, pulling, pushing, kneeling, and crouching. Lifting: Ability to lift ranging from 25–75 lbs depending on student size and situational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. NOTE: The above job description reflects the general requirements necessary to describe the principal functions or responsibilities of the job identified and shall not be interpreted as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job, either at present or in the future. Equal Opportunity Employer: RSU 57 Massabesic School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.