26-27 Pool: Elementary School Counselor (Multiple Schools)

Young World Physical Education; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is looking for a qualified School Counselor for the 26-27 school year at multiple elementary schools in Des Moines, starting August 10, 2026. The ideal candidate must have a Master's degree in school counseling and a valid Iowa license. This is a full-time position focused on developing students' academic, career, and social-emotional skills, actively engaging with the community.

The role involves designing a comprehensive counseling program, implementing social-emotional learning initiatives, and collaborating with staff for optimal student support.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in school counseling required.
• Valid Iowa license in school counseling necessary.
• Competency in a culturally diverse environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage a comprehensive school counseling program.
• Implement social-emotional learning initiatives in classrooms.
• Collaborate to provide student support within the DMPS system.

Skills

Culturally diverse environment experience

Classroom teaching experience

Urban school district experience

Education

Master's degree in school counseling

Valid Iowa license in school counseling

Job description

26-27 Pool: Elementary School Counselor (Multiple Schools)

Starting Date: Aug 10, 2026

Job Description

Des Moines Public Schools is seeking qualified applicants for the 26-27 school year to serve as a School Counselor. This position will start in August 2026. Any licensed or soon‑to‑be licensed applicant is encouraged to apply.

This is a pool posting. Submitting your application to this posting makes you eligible for consideration for the following vacancies:

• Carver Elementary
• Hillis Elementary
• McKinley Elementary
• Moore Elementary

TITLE: School Counselor K-8

POSITION TYPE: TCHR

Hiring Specifications

Required:

• Master's degree in school counseling.
• Valid Iowa license in school counseling.
• Competency working in a culturally diverse environment or the willingness to acquire these skills.

Desired:

• Classroom teacher experience.
• Prior experience at the grade level(s) of the position.
• Experience in an urban school district.

Basic Function

Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the American School Counselor Association National Model and the Iowa Framework for School Counseling Programs, addressing the career, academic, and social emotional development of all students.

Essential Functions

• Develop and manage a comprehensive school counseling program aligned to ASCA model.
• Implement social-emotional learning initiatives throughout the school, including direct classroom instruction.
• Implement postsecondary success programming that facilitates student exploration of careers and postsecondary education/training.
• Collaborate with all staff to provide support within the DMPS version of Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support.
• Be knowledgeable about resources and services within District, as well as through community partners, in order to provide appropriate referrals for students and families when necessary.
• Provide responsive services to meet the needs of the school community as directed by the principal.
• Collect and respond to data, in order to demonstrate progress toward reaching student outcome goals, as well as goals of the counseling program.
• Demonstrate accountability for personal, professional, and programmatic growth.

Additional Essential Functions (for every DMPS position)

• Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

DEPARTMENT: Teaching and Learning, Student & Family Services

REPORTS TO: Building Administrator

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Counseling Department, Principal Supervisors

BARGAINING GROUP: DMEA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

FT/PT: Full Time, 7.75 hour/day, 195 OR 199 Days

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, walking, sitting, bending/stooping, reaching/pushing/pulling, lifting carrying

WORKING CONDITIONS: Mostly indoors with some outdoor responsibilities during recess and arrival/dismissal

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job‑related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Approved By: Maureen Norris

Date: 03/29/2021

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Emily Carlyle , Talent Support
• HUMAN RESOURCES
• Email: [e-mail]