Counselor - Special Education

Position Type:

Professional/Counselor - Special Education

Date Posted:

12/20/2023

Location:

Special Education Office

Job Title: Counselor - Special Education

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/At-Will

Reports To: Director of Special Education

Pay Grade/Days: 103/190

Dept. /School: Special Education

Date Revised: September 2023

Primary Purpose:

Plan and provide counseling services to special education students who demonstrate an educational need. Evaluate students and provide therapeutic interventions to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with a student's ability to derive benefit from the educational program.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master's degree from an accredited college or university

Two years of successful teaching experience (special education preferred)

Valid Texas Counseling Licensure or Valid Texas Education Agency Counseling certificate

(preferred) or Enrolled in an accredited university counseling program (internship year) or Valid

Social Work certification

Special Education Experience (Preferred)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, and career development

Knowledge of federal and state special education law

Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students

Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students, parents, and district staff

Ability to implement policy and procedures

Ability to interpret data

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Preparation and Planning

Maintain appropriate, data driven professional records

Use time effectively and perform required department responsibilities on time

Submit lists, forms and data requested by Special Education office when due Standards for Behavior/Professional Conduct

Follow ethical guidelines of licensing entity when providing counseling services to a variety of students in different environments

Follow the policies and procedures outlined by TEA for the provision of Special Education counseling services

Protect the student's right of confidentiality Comprehensive Evaluation Process

Conduct counseling evaluations in a thorough and timely manner, accessing relevant sources of information and providing for optimal student performance

Conduct observations of students in support of teachers and school administration

Assist in the creation of Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)

Prepare thorough evaluation reports

Orally communicate results of evaluation to ARD/IEP Committee members in an effective manner, including provision of suggestions for students who do not qualify for counseling as a related service Consultation with Professionals

Consult other professionals prior to ARD/IEP meeting concerning the student's goals and objectives, and amount and method of delivery of services, including outside agencies when necessary

Make recommendations concerning intervention strategies to enhance student success in the school setting

Provide consultation to teachers, administrators, and school staff concerning academic/emotional/behavioral needs of students

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:Maintain emotional control under stress. Administrative office environment, high pressure, fast pace, multiple deadlines and people intensive. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned.

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 advisable.

Non Discrimination Statement

The Waco Independent School District is an equal opportunity educational provider and employer who does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information or non-proficiency in English language skills in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act; and school board policy not to discriminate in such a manner.

For information about your rights or complaints regarding compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX, please email or contact Waco ISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at or Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Support at . For information or complaints regarding compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title VI and Title VII, as amended, contact the Waco ISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at . For information or complaints regarding compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, contact Waco ISD Special Education Executive Director at or write to P.O. Box 27, Waco, TX, 76703.