What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Emotional Support Specialist / Counselor @ Ahtanum Valley Elementary position at West Valley School District?
Starting the 2026-2027 School Year
POSITION: Social Emotional Support Specialist/Counselor
QUALIFICATIONS: All qualifications are required unless otherwise indicated.
1. Valid Washington State Educational Certificate with at least one of the following endorsements:
- School Counselor OR
- School Psychologist OR
- School Social Worker OR
- School Behavior Analyst
3. Experience working with elementary aged students and working with self-contained students (preferred)
4. Demonstrated ability and willingness to work cooperatively with team members in developing and implementing behavioral and social/emotional support systems for students
5. Communicates effectively and possess strong interpersonal skills
6. Proven ability to facilitate team meetings and lead teams to reach consensus
7. Experienced using conflict management skills
8. Demonstrated success with non-traditional learners and at-risk students
9. Evidence of high standards in student management and student achievement
10. Demonstrated success in developing classroom and behavioral interventions for students with a wide variety of behavior or social/emotional concerns
11. Proficient in computer skills and use of the Internet
12. Background knowledge/experience in mental health and student support
13. Demonstrates the ability to adjust to and use new approaches in the performance of his/her duties
14. Certified in Right Response or willing to become certified and keep his/her certificate current
15. Seeks and takes advantage of opportunities for professional growth
16. Believes that all students can learn
17. Bilingual Preferred
JOB DESCRIPTION:
An elementary Social Emotional Support Specialist/Counselor guides and supports school teams in the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans, educates students about self-awareness and self-esteem, teaches problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, provides individual and small group counseling services and makes referrals to outside services. This assignment also will need to meet with parents or consult with outside parties, such as child protective services or other social services agencies. This assignments main function should be to:
1. Advocate for students’ well being
2. Monitor student's progress for the purpose of identifying issues and take appropriate action for increasing student social-emotional health and success.
3. Coordinate with teachers, administrators, and community resources; providing/receiving information and/or making recommendations.
4. Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and school psychologist to help monitor and track RTI for both behavior and academics to assess future needs and services
5. Counsel students, parents/guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success academically, socially and emotionally in school.
6. Develop and implement a variety of special programs and classes (e.g. Group and teamwork, social skills, leadership, friendship skills, coping with divorce and death, etc.)
7. Provide whole classroom, small group and individual counseling Prepare and implement a wide variety of materials and programs including but not limited to Second Step, PBIS, leadership skills, Superflex, Restorative Justice, etc. including lesson plans and student activities to assist students in gaining needed skills to be successful.
8. Develop/assist parents in finding/gaining resources needed to help them with parenting needs/ tools to help their children be successful
9. Develop and maintain positive relationships with the multidisciplinary team
10. Seek opportunities to proactively communicate with staff, parents, and students regarding student progress and behavior
11. Collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments
12. Implement school-wide prevention programs that help maintain positive school climates conducive to learning
13. Ensure the safety of all students by reducing school conflicts, bullying, and harassment
14. Respond to crises by providing leadership, direct services, and coordination with needed community services
15. Collect and analyzes data related to school improvement, student outcomes, and accountability requirements
16. Maintain a positive, student-centered attitude and models appropriate professional behaviors at all times.
17. Other duties as assigned
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 50% sitting, 20% walking, and 30% standing. The job is performed under some hazardous conditions.
Healthcare Benefits (SEBB): (All Employees who work 630 hours per school year are eligible.)
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- Washington State Retirement (PERS, SERS & TERS)
- Paid Leave:
- Paid Holiday (260-day employees and bargaining groups that have holidays included within their CBA)
- Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Vacation (260-day employees only)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- VEBA (Non-Rep, WVEA, Principal, Directors and Superintendent(s) ONLY)