Elementary Counselor

Sanders Unified School District; United States; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanders Unified School District is seeking a Student Support Services Counselor to assist students in overcoming social and emotional challenges. The ideal candidate will hold a Master's Degree in educational counseling and possess at least three years of experience in a school setting. Responsibilities include helping students with career choices, maintaining student records, and providing support for students transitioning between grades. The role requires excellent communication and collaboration skills along with an understanding of Navajo culture.

Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of successful working experience in a school setting.
• Well versed in Navajo tradition and culture.
• Experience working with Navajo students preferred.
• Ability to pass a background check with positive references.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in overcoming social and emotional problems.
• Conduct and organize transition support for grades.
• Help students evaluate career interests and choices.
• Assist in placement of students in Summer School Programs.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Computer operating skills

Understanding of Navajo culture

Experience with educational programs

Education

Master's Degree in educational counseling or educational psychology

ADE State Teacher Certification with Teaching credential and counseling endorsement

Job description

Position Details

• Position Type: Student Support Services/ Counselor
• Date Posted: 5/12/2026
• Date Available: 7/13/2026

Qualifications

• A Master's Degree in educational counseling or educational psychology.
• At least three (3) years of successful working experience in a school setting.
• ADE State Teacher Certification with Teaching credential and counseling endorsement.
• Good computer operating skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Well versed in Navajo tradition and culture.
• Experience working with Navajo students preferred.
• Experience developing, documenting, and evaluating educational programs, preferably bilingual (Navajo/English).
• Ability to satisfactorily pass a background check, including positive references from previous immediate supervisors.

Supervised By

School Principal

Terms of Employment

Ten (11) months per year

Salary

Salary to be determined by district pay scale and Board.

Position Goal

Assist students to overcome social and emotional problems that impede learning and to develop educational, occupational, and life plans that hold promise for personal fulfillment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the registration of new students and orient them.
• Responsible for placement of new ELL students (using PHLOTE), referral for testing (AZELLA), reclassification of current ELL students, and maintain record keeping for permanent files.
• Prepare the Master Schedule for each school year; update transcripts for incoming students; add semester grades each semester and keep permanent records up to date.
• Conduct and organize transition support for grades moving from 5th to 6th and from 8th to 9th.
• Assist students in course/subject selection and schedule the student body.
• Maintain student records on the computer and protect their confidentiality.
• Resolve students' educational hardships and discover and develop their special abilities.
• Prepare and support students for entry into an appropriate high school course of study.
• Assist in placement in appropriate Summer School Programs.
• Guide students and families in participation in school and community activities.
• Assist building in RTI monitoring by evaluating student aptitudes and abilities through interpretation of attendance patterns, behavior supports, academic progress, math and reading performance, and other intervention data.
• Help students evaluate career interests and choices.
• Prevent students from dropping out of school.
• Work with students individually on personal problems related to home-family relations, peer group problems, health, and emotional adjustment.
• Confere with parents, including home visits when necessary.
• Interpret the SUSD Guidance/Counseling Program to the community and make Chapter House visitations.
• Assist in providing in-service training in guidance and related fields to teachers.
• Assist administrators and teachers with matters of student discipline, attendance and academics.
• Assist in the orientation/mentoring of new faculty members.
• Organize and oversee small intervention groups each semester on topics such as substance abuse, divorce, death/dying, domestic violence, etc.
• Demonstrate competency in use of computer.
• Assist in the preparation and distribution of student progress reports and report cards.
• Prepare and submit to the Principal prior to leaving school at the end of the school year a list indicating what class each student will be placed into according to teacher/administrator recommendation; log counseling session data each month.
• Compile and publish an A and A/B honor roll in accordance with school policies.
• Prepare and work with Principal in early spring to create a list of students promoting or possible retentions from grade level to grade level.
• Prepare and maintain a Counseling Service Handbook.
• Organize and administer AIMS and tabulate standardized tests required by district and any accompanying reports.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and submit budget requests, requisitions, and work orders per school and district policies.
• Assist administrators in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct.
• Faithfully perform all special duty and extra duty assignments as required (lunch duty, hall duty, class/club assignments).
• Attend all staff meetings and serve on all staff committees as required.
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Perform other tasks and assume responsibilities as the Principal, Superintendent and Board may require.
• Follow procedures and comply with requirements as stated in the district handbook.