Chapman Elementary School School Counselor 

Reports To: Building Principal

Supervises: Assists in the supervision and evaluation of all building certified teaching staff, Para professionals, teachers aides, classified staff and students.

Classification: Certified

FLSA Status: Exempt

Terms of Employment: Salary and work year as reviewed and established annually by the Board of Education

Evaluation: Performance of this position will be evaluated regularly in accordance with the Board’s policy.

Job Summary

The Social Emotional Learning Specialist (SELS) provides instruction, therapy, and educationally required counseling services to students to promote positive social skills, mental health, and personal growth.  The SELS identifies emotional and social skills needs, and encourages positive behavior through social/emotional skills training.  Support families and district staff by providing consultation, instruction, and group counseling activities in the area of mental health.

Qualifications

• Master's in Counseloring 
• Experience working with children in a special education program and/or elementary school is desirable.
• Current Kansas teaching license preferred

• Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education

Performance Responsibilities

The following are typical duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to, all tasks identified.  May perform similar related tasks not listed.

• Provide individual, group, and family social/emotional counseling and training services to parents, students, educational staff, and community agencies.
• Consult with parents; describe services and obtain consent when appropriate.
• Complete and maintain confidential reports that meet legal mandates.
• Provide direct and group instruction/counseling services to students.
• Consult with educational staff, school psychologists, and administrators regarding students' social-emotional needs.
• Support "wrap around" services (family and community-based support services) for identified students and families.
• Provide staff development and training specific to the areas of social/emotional/mental health.
• Conduct threat and suicide risk assessments.
• Participate as a member of the MTSS, SIT, and IEP teams; provide information regarding student performance; recommend goals and objectives.
• Communicate and coordinate services with community-based agencies, including Mental Health, Public Health, Regional Center and Social Services.
• Refer students to appropriate school personnel or outside supports.
• Develop and maintain intervention programs.
• Conduct interviews, assessments and observations with students
• Refer students to public/private psychological counseling services.
• Support foster students and families; serve as liaison between DCFS, students, parent/guardians, and educational staff.
• Supervise licensed interns.
• Attend required meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Strong organizational skills and a self-starter

• Possesses effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Models and facilitates higher-order thinking- problem solving- creativity- and flexibility
• Creates a positive, inviting and safe environment

• Strong leadership skills and exhibit professionalism
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to students, parents and staff
• Promotes the success of every student and maintains the true belief that all students can succeed

Physical/Emotional Requirements

While performing the duties of this job- the employee is frequently required to sit- talk- and hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision- distance vision- depth perception- and the ability to adjust focus.  Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue. Occasional interaction among unruly children. The employee is required to interact with staff and to meet demands from several people.