Counselor - Elementary School

Sylvania; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Olympia School District invites applications for a Counselor – Elementary School to support student success at Boston Harbor Elementary and Madison Elementary. This 0.9 FTE role involves counseling students, coordinating with teachers and families, and developing plans to guide students toward middle school placement.

Successful candidates will hold the appropriate Washington State credential, collaborate with staff on PBIS activities, maintain records, and communicate clearly with parents.

Qualifications

• Skills to communicate effectively, problem solve.
• Knowledge of curriculum, education code, district policies, problem solving methodology.
• Abilities to sit for prolonged periods, maintain and verify completeness of records, meet schedules and deadlines, communicate with persons of varied cultural and educational backgrounds, communicate in oral and written form.
• Licenses, Certification, Bonding and /or Testing Required: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance, appropriate Credential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with teachers, resource specialists and community (e.g. courts, child protective services, etc.) for the purpose of providing requested information, gaining needed information and/or making recommendations.
• Counsel students, parents, and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.
• Monitors student records for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding student’s goals.
• Prepares documentation (e.g. observations, progress, contacts with parents, teachers, outside professional, etc.) for the purpose of providing written support, developing recommendations and /or conveying information.
• Presents information on various topics (e.g. behavior management, Second Steps, etc.) for the purpose of providing required information and/or advice.
• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the PBIS related activities.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Curriculum knowledge

Policy knowledge

Recordkeeping

Cultural communication

Education

Washington State Counselor Credential

Job description

Job Purpose Statement

The job of “Counselor – Elementary School “is done for the purpose of providing information on subtends function and recommendations regarding their successful transition to middle school; developing plans and /and or providing information regarding students’ goals and securing appropriate placement of students.

Required attachments

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 3 Reference Letters
• Valid Washington State Certification

Position to begin employment in the 2026- 2027 school year.

0.9 FTE position works Monday – Friday. This is a split counseling position between Boston Harbor Elementary and Madison Elementary.

The ideal candidate will collaborate effectively with staff members, maintain regular and clear communication with parents, and deliver social skills instruction to individual students and small groups.

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance benefits, as administered by the School Employees Benefit Board (SEBB). Final benefit eligibility to be determined at time of hire. Employees are eligible to enroll in the Department of Retirement Services (DRS) SERS plan (classified employees) or TERS plan (certificated employees), as well as the DRS Deferred Compensation Program. Employees will receive vacation leave, paid holidays and additional compensation beyond their base salary as outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The Olympia School District is committed to increasing the diversity of staff in our schools. Candidates who can contribute to this goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and experiences in this area.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinates with teachers, resource specialists and community (e.g. courts, child protective services, etc.) for the purpose of providing requested information, gaining needed information and/or making recommendations.
• Counsel students, parents, and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.
• Monitors student records for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding student’s goals.
• Prepares documentation (e.g. observations, progress, contacts with parents, teachers, outside professional, etc.) for the purpose of providing written support, developing recommendations and /or conveying information.
• Presents information on various topics (e.g. behavior management, Second Steps, etc.) for the purpose of providing required information and/or advice.
• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the PBIS related activities.

Essential Job Requirements – Qualifications

• Skills to communicate effectively, problem solve.
• Knowledge of curriculum, education code, district policies, problem solving methodology.
• Abilities to sit for prolonged periods, maintain and verify completeness of records, meet schedules and deadlines, communicate with persons of varied cultural and educational backgrounds, communicate in oral and written form.
• Licenses, Certification, Bonding and /or Testing Required: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance, appropriate Credential.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Olympia School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. The following employee(s) have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Officer – James Whitehead, [phone], [e-mail]; Executive Director of Elementary Education – Autumn Lara, [phone], [e-mail]; Section 504 and ADA Coordinator (Students) – Ken Turcotte, [phone], [e-mail]; ADA Coordinator (Staff) – Starla Hoff, [phone], [e-mail]; Affineure Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator – Scott Niemann, [phone], [e-mail]. Address: Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 98506.

The Olympia School District will provide reasonable Accommodations to enable persons with disabilities the opportunity to apply for open positions and to participate in District interview procedures. Persons with disabilities or are in need of translation services are asked to notify the Human Resources Office at least three days prior to the date on which the requested accommodation is needed. Human Resources Officer: Voice: [phone] or TDD: [phone] or FAX: [phone].