ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR

McMinn County School District; Niota (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The McMinn County School District is seeking a School Counselor for its campuses in Tennessee. The role focuses on guiding students in academic planning, managing emotions, and preparing for postsecondary options.

Qualifications include a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling and meeting state certification standards. Responsibilities encompass individual student counseling, lesson preparation, and collaborative efforts for student success.

Qualifications

• Hold, at minimum, a master's degree in school counseling.
• Meet the state certification/licensure standards.
• No prior experience required; mentorship available.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate individual student academic planning.
• Prepare and present school counseling lessons.
• Provide short-term counseling to students.
• Collaborate for student success with families and teachers.

Skills

Academic achievement strategies

Managing emotions

Interpersonal skills

Counseling techniques

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in school counseling

Tools

Standard office equipment

Personal computer

Job description

Job Title and Reporting

School Counselor (Exempt). Reports to School Administration, Instructional Supervisors, Attendance/SMS Supervisor. Dept./School: Assigned Campus. Date Revised: December 3, 2020.

Position Summary

The School Counselor will educate, assist, and facilitate the student in:

• Applying academic achievement strategies
• Managing emotions and applying interpersonal skills
• Planning for postsecondary options (higher education, military, workforce)

Qualifications

• Hold, at minimum, a master's degree in school counseling.
• Meet the state certification/licensure standards.
• No prior experience required, but school counselors without experience will be assigned a veteran mentor.

Responsibilities

Work with/report to Building Principal to perform the following responsibilities:

• Facilitate individual student academic planning and goal setting
• Prepare and present school counseling classroom lessons
• Provide or facilitate short-term counseling to students
• Make referrals for long-term student counseling and/or support (mental health agencies, district level support personnel, DCS, etc…)
• Collaborate with families/teachers/ administrators/community for student success
• Provide advocacy for students at Individual Education Plan meetings and other student-focused meetings (S-Team, RTI, etc…)
• Employ a variety of techniques and technology for providing services to brick & mortar students, students who are remote learners, alternatively placed, or on homebound status.
• Make provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
• Work independently, and with colleagues, to conduct data analysis to identify and implement strategies to address student and school related issues, needs, and challenges
• Assist in maintaining a school culture that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity of students. Set standards for appropriate behavior, communication, and mutual respect.
• Uphold ethical and professional standards
• Attend all faculty meetings, building-level school counselors' meetings, and district PLC's.
• Arrive to the campus punctually and remain present and engaged for all work hours as determined by principal.
• Protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintain and communicate accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, policy, and administrative regulation.
• Enforce and reinforce school policies and procedures.
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence
• Fulfill continuing education requirements
• Perform extra duties and serve on committees as required.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with evaluation procedures, policy, and regulations of the Tennessee Department of Education.

Attendance Requirement

Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position. The employee must be able to report to work as scheduled, maintain consistent attendance, and perform all assigned duties during established work hours. The nature of this position requires the employee's physical presence to provide direct instruction, supervision, support, collaboration, and services to students and staff. Reliable attendance is critical to ensuring continuity of educational services, student safety, and the efficient operation of the school district. Failure to maintain regular attendance may adversely affect job performance and the district's ability to fulfill its educational mission.

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer.

Posture: Frequent sitting and standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching, frequent walking.

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds) and occasional lifting between 15-30 pounds.

Environment: Work inside, occasional districtwide travel as requested by administration.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress, may work prolonged or irregular hours.

Additional Notes

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.