Payette Primary School - Elementary Counselor

Payette School District has a Certified Teacher opening for the 2024-2025 school year:

Elementary School Counselor Grades K-4

QUALIFICATIONS

Holds a Pupil Personnel Services Certificate with a Counselor Endorsement (K-12) or is a certified social worker

Minimum experience as determined by the Board

Broad knowledge of theories of individual and group guidance techniques, and elementary school guidance program design

Knowledge of state and federal testing procedures and requirements

Strong background in the use of technology

Relates extremely well to students

Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community groups and organizations

Able to work under pressure and deadlines

Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and leadership skills

Maintain confidentiality of staff and students

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY TO

Principal and Director of Special Services

ROLE COMPETENCIES

Acting with Empathy and Compassion: Instills empathy and compassion in the organization’s culture.

Continuous Learning: Seeks learning opportunities

Exemplifying Integrity: Acts fairly and ethically towards others

Initiative: Identifies immediate action needed

Partnering: Seeks partnership opportunities

Planning and Organizing: Plans and organizes group activities

Thinking Strategically: Processes complex information on aspects of an issue

Using Information Technology: Uses standard IT applications in common situations.

Visioning and Alignment: Aligns team goals and actions

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Assistance to Students

Interpret grades and test scores for parents and students

Assist when requested with follow-up on students that are below grade level/failing with weekly progress reports

Teaching and coordination of Social Emotional Curriculum K-5

Maintain a close relationship with the child study team following directives and recommendations as needed

Assist in the resolution of school-related problems

Provide responsive services including consultation, personal counseling, crisis counseling, and referral

Provide for a smooth transition between elementary and Primary/Westside which may include orientation programs for students and parents

Provide a guidance curriculum consisting of structured developmental experiences presented systematically through classroom and group activities for all students

Assist with teacher/student/parent conferences

Assist students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the use of teacher comments, interpretation of individual standardized test scores, and other pertinent data

Provide counseling for students that will assist them to develop increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity

Office Management

Maintain a professional office environment

Provide interim assistance to students or parents with urgent needs

Maintain student records and ensure their confidentiality

Consult with teachers and other staff regularly to provide information and support to staff and to receive feedback on the emerging needs of students

Deal with confusion and emergencies in a friendly, supportive, and calm manner

Assist agitated or confused students in re-composing themselves during situations where the student has a problem or personal setback

Screen and review new student records

Other

Serve as a resource person to local community organizations

Network and consult with local businesses, industries, and social service agencies regularly

Provide information to the community regarding guidance services or other relevant programs

Knowledge of the district’s testing program and interpretation of test scores, and attend state-sponsored district test coordinator meetings as needed

Work closely with the school in interpreting the school’s philosophy and objectives to students and parents

Participate in building meetings such as special education meetings and class meetings

Assist in arranging education services for hospitalized or homebound students in conjunction with the special services staff

Assist with teacher/student and teacher/parent conflicts

Keep the immediate supervisor informed of activities and any issues that may arise

Assume responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development through such efforts as attendance at professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses, and by reading professional journals and other publications

Adhere to The Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Profession adopted by the Professional Standards Commission and the State Board of Education

Seek assistance should emergencies arise

Represent the school district in a positive manner

Know and follow school district policy and chain of command

Perform other duties as assigned

Candidates should upload the following:

An essay, 250 words or less, on what your major strengths are as they apply to the position for which you are making an application

Cover letter

Resume

Photocopies of college transcripts

Photocopy of current Idaho certification or other State Certification

Three (3) current letters of recommendation

COMPENSATION

Salary is based on experience and skills. Position qualifies for benefits which include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; PERSI retirement, paid vacation as well as access to optional ancillary insurance and retirement products.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This position shall be considered in all respects “employment at will”. The “employment period” and other descriptions and terms outlined in this job description shall not create a property right for the employee. These are set forth only to advise the employee of when and what type of services will be required by the district so long as the employment continues.

Payette School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Positions are open until filled. All recommendations for hire are tentative offers. Employment is contingent upon board approval, and successful completion of a federal background check and drug-free workplace pre-employment screening (if required for the position). Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.