Counselor, Special Education
McAllen Independent School District, Milam Elementary School - McAllen, Texas
Job Details
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $317.01 to $442.29 Per Day
Job Description
PRIMARY PURPOSE: To plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive program of guidance, including counseling services to assigned school; use a planning process to define needs and priorities of populations served; provide a proactive developmental guidance program for all students to maximize personal growth and development; promote a positive working relationship, among and between staff and the schools, by establishing a climate conducive to open communication and productive work.
Qualifications
- Education/Certification:
- Master’s Degree, required
- Texas Counselor’s Certificate, required
- Texas Teaching Certificate, required
- Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Knowledge of counseling procedures
- Communicate effectively (verbal and written)
- Utilize effective interpersonal skills
- Possess effective organizational and presentation skills
- Interpret data, federal and state laws and policies
- Basic computer skills
- Experience:
- Three (3) years of experience as a classroom teacher, required
Working Days: 190
Note: Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.
Major Responsibilities and Duties / Essential Functions
- Plan and implement the school developmental guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs.
- Provide guidance and counseling to individuals and groups of students as specified in Individual Education Plans.
- Provide crisis counseling and/or consultation.
- Guide students in learning new skills and concepts to have a positive impact on behavior by providing proactive reinforcement, assessment for understanding, and feedback.
- Monitor and evaluate student progress to assess placement.
- Assist students in gaining awareness of specific interests, career possibilities and potential for post‑secondary options.
- Consult with parents, administrators, school personnel or students about educational, personal and social needs of students through conferences, phone calls and home visits.
- Use an effective referral process to work cooperatively with school, community and resource persons to assist students.
- Assist administrators, teachers, students and parents in the resolution of conflicts.
- Serve on campus committees that address student needs (ARDs, IEPs and BIPs).
- Provide professional development for staff when appropriate.
- Promote equal access to all career/technical programs and activities based on student career interest and aptitude assessment and ability to succeed in such programs for all students, including students who are members of special populations.
- Work cooperatively with students, parents and school staff to achieve a positive school climate and community relations.
- Evaluate and compile data on referred students to determine eligibility for counseling as a related service.
- Compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other required documents in a timely and efficient manner.
- Foster collaborative educational efforts among staff by supporting the district’s philosophy and mission and its commitment to site‑based shared decision‑making.
- Keep the principal and/or Special Education Coordinator informed regarding the status of all projects or initiatives undertaken and of directives or requests received internally or externally.
- Pursue professional growth by participating in appropriate in‑service opportunities and keep abreast of changes and developments in education as reflected in research, literature and best practice.
- Use accepted theories and techniques appropriate to school counseling.
- Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
- Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Equipment Used
Computer, copier, multimedia equipment
Working Conditions
Mental Demands
Maintain emotional control under stress; coordinate projects; meet deadlines
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors
Frequent prolonged and irregular hours; frequent district wide and occasional state or national travel; occasional lifting and/or moving up to 45 pounds and over; assist in restraining students in a crisis situation
Job Requirements
- Citizenship, residency or work visa required
Contact Information
- Maribelle Elizondo, Executive Director for Special Education
- Dept of Special Education
- Phone: (956) 632-3285
- Email: Maribelle.Elizondo@mcallenisd.net