School Counselor
Reports to: Supervisor of Related Services
Employment Information: This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt, 10-month union position.
Summary:
The School Counselor provides comprehensive social-emotional, academic, and career support to students across various grade levels and programs. This role works collaboratively with students, families, and school personnel to promote student well-being, support personal growth, and enhance academic success. The School Counselor assists in addressing social-emotional concerns, facilitates access to resources, guides students in goal-setting and decision-making, and provides consultation to teachers and staff. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the School Counselor helps students develop the skills, resilience, and strategies needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Responsibilities:
- Provide individual and group counseling to support students’ social-emotional development, academic progress, and career exploration.
- Consult with teachers, administrators, and other staff to address student needs and support classroom strategies.
- Assist students in goal-setting, problem-solving, and decision-making to enhance personal, academic, and career development.
- Identify and refer students to appropriate internal or external resources for academic, behavioral, social, or emotional support.
- Collaborate with families to address student needs and facilitate student success.
- Participate in multidisciplinary teams, including IEP or student support meetings, to provide input on social-emotional and academic goals.
- Develop and implement school-wide initiatives and programs that promote student well-being, inclusion, and resilience.
- Maintain accurate records of counseling sessions, referrals, and interventions in compliance with privacy and school policies.
- Support students in transitions, including school entry, grade-level advancement, or post-secondary planning.
- Provide crisis intervention and support as needed, following established protocols and procedures.
- Model and exhibit PSD’s core values Students 1st, Language, Respect, Communication, and Community Engagement in all interactions, decisions, and professional responsibilities.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support student success.
Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in School Counseling, Social Work, or a closely related field.
- Knowledge of the psychology of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students and their families.
- 3–5 years of experience in school counseling or a related field preferred.
- Experience working in Deaf education programs preferred.
- Experience supporting students with autism, emotional/behavioral disorders, and/or intellectual disabilities.
- Experience with behavioral assessment, data analysis, and development of positive behavior support plans.
- Demonstrated American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency at a Level 3 (ASLPI) or above required; advanced proficiency preferred.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with students, staff, families, and community agencies.
- In-depth understanding of counseling and social work best practices, including culturally responsive strategies.
- Ability to provide support across multiple age groups and school levels.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with professionalism.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
- Occasional bending, crouching, reaching, or kneeling to interact with students.
- Ability to lift or move items up to 15–25 lbs (e.g., materials, student work, supplies).
- Manual dexterity sufficient for operating computers, phones, and office equipment.
- Visual and auditory ability to observe student behavior and assess communication.
Working Conditions:
- Works in office, classroom, and school-wide settings across multiple departments or programs.
- May travel to off-campus sites or community locations as needed for student support or consultations.
- Exposure to a variety of student behaviors, including challenging or crisis situations.
- May occasionally work evenings or participate in school events outside regular hours.
- Collaborates with diverse staff, families, and community professionals.
Mental & Cognitive Demands:
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, caseloads, and responsibilities simultaneously.
- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to maintain focus and composure in high-stress situations.
- Capacity to analyze student data, assessment results, and behavioral observations to inform interventions.
- Effective communication and counseling skills to engage students, staff, and families.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness to meet diverse student needs.