Huntsville School DistrictJob Description

Job Title: Elementary Guidance Counselor

Reports To: Principal

Contracted Days: 210

Job Summary: To provide, as a member of the Counseling Department, a comprehensive guidance program for students in grades K-5 and specifically provide activities to meet the needs of the assigned caseload; consult with teachers, staff and parents to enhance their effectiveness in helping students; and provide support to other educational programs.

Essential Duties:

• Provides services to students through individual counseling to assist them in understanding themselves in the contexts within which they live: home, school, and community.
• Counsels small groups and individual students; refers severe concerns to appropriate community resources.
• Consults with teachers, staff, and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students.
• Evaluates and revises the building counseling program.
• Conducts counseling activities in the classroom in conjunction with administration and teachers.
• Consults with teachers to facilitate the infusion of counseling activities into the regular education curriculum.
• Counsels/guides students and parents in using test results for educational planning.
• Responds to crises when appropriate.
• Assists in student assessments and evaluations.
• Works to discover and develop the special abilities of students.
• Works with students on an individual basis in the solution of personal problems related to home and family, health, and emotional adjustment.
• Confers with parents whenever necessary.
• Provides training on guidance topics for faculty and parents.
• Assists in the orientation of students new to the school.
• Provides leadership in coordinating the total guidance and counseling program through continued planning and cooperative work with the entire staff.
• Coordinates student groups as assigned (peer helpers, ambassadors, mediators, etc.)
• Networks with social workers to provide for students' basic needs (medical, hygiene, clothing, etc.)
• Communicates regularly with various internal and external publics to develop and maintain a positive school/community relationship.
• Other duties may be assigned; duties may vary according to grade level

Qualifications: 

• Valid teaching license

• Master's degree in counseling

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee must be able to attend meetings in the evening and at other locations. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as ability to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet but may vary from quiet to loud.

Other:

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems necessary.