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.

Payment Rate: According to Certified Salary Schedule Benefits 

Qualifications: Minimum BA degree from an accredited college/university. Teaching experience preferable. Spanish/English bilingual ideal

Essential Functions:   The counselor must be able to:

• Listen and communicate well with children in a way they can understand
• Conduct frequent 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.
• Help students attain an optimum level of personal and social adjustment  
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and supporting agencies concerning the needs and abilities of students
• Obtain outside help or support for students and families when necessary.
• 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 
• Be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church and/or be able to support Catholic values in education.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions: The position of school counselor may require the following:

1. prolonged sitting or standing. 
2. physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials. 
3. occasional stooping, bending, and/or reaching. 
4. a family home visit accompanied by an administrator

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. 
• Support teachers with behavior issues 
• Be available to help teachers when they need it.
• Support parents and families when necessary to ensure the success of a child.
• Create, update and maintain confidential student records, and student files.
• Recognize and Identify students with special needs and make appropriate recommendations and/or referrals.
• 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
• Assist with enrollment and new student interviews if required.
• Assist in making recommendations for school curriculum and instructional practices for students with special or difficult behaviors.
• Assist with activities of student organizations and attend, when necessary, extra curricular events; i.e. musical programs, sports games, student recognition ceremonies, graduation, openhouse, etc.
• Assure that Diocesan policies are observed during all activities
• Keep abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques 
• Obtain advance approval of the Principal for all activities and expenditures 
• Adhere to all Diocesan health and safety policies