School Counselor

Elementary Catholic School Counselor

Purpose: The Elementary School Counselor helps students attain an optimum level of personal and social adjustment. This goal will require conversations with parents/student family and teaching staff, the creation of behavior plans and the regular tracking of the students.  In order to coordinate a comprehensive counseling program, the Elementary Catholic School Counselor must work closely with staff members, administration, and parents.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in School Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or related field.
• State certification/licensure as a School Counselor (or ability to obtain)
• Experience working in a school setting, preferably 
• Strong understanding of child development, social-emotional learning, and mental health support.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
• Spanish/English bilingual preferred.

Essential Functions:  

• Listen and communicate well with children in a way they can understand.
• Conduct observations of students in class when necessary.
• Be compassionate and understanding of the difficulties facing today’s elementary school child, such as making friends, bullying, family problems or learning difficulties and the ability to teach them coping skills.
• Utilize play therapy techniques, such as drawing or toys, to help children open up and feel comfortable talking about their problems.
• Be able and willing to handle crisis situations, such as reporting suspicions of child abuse, dealing with student depression or self-harm ideation.
• Develop and implement age-appropriate social emotion (SEL) programs and character education initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with all members of the school district and community.
• Research and work effectively with community organizations that can be of assistance.
• React to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
• Support the philosophy and mission of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions: 

• Prolonged sitting or standing. 
• Physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials. 
• Occasional stooping, bending, and/or reaching. 

General Responsibilities: 

• Provide individual counseling and group guidance to help students cope effectively with personal, social, academic, career, and family concerns. 
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and supporting agencies concerning the needs and abilities of students. 
• Assist with crisis intervention and provide immediate support when necessary.
• Support teachers with behavior issues.
• Support parents and families when necessary to ensure the success of a child.
• Create, update and maintain confidential student records, and student files.
• Educate students about self-awareness and self-esteem 
• Teach problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, provide individual and small group counseling services and make referrals for outside services.
• Keep abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques.
• Obtain advance approval of the Principal for all activities and expenditures