Elementary Special Education Guidance Counselor

Young World Physical Education; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 58,486 - 81,549; Full time

Job summary

McAllen Independent School District (Milam Elementary School) in McAllen, Texas, seeks a Counselor for Special Education to plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive guidance program, provide counseling to students, and collaborate with staff and families to promote positive student development.

The role requires a Master’s, Texas Counselor’s Certificate, and Texas Teaching Certificate, with 3+ years of classroom teaching experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required.
• Texas Counselor’s Certificate required.
• Texas Teaching Certificate required.

Responsibilities

• 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 IEPs.
• 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).

Skills

Knowledge of counseling procedures

Communicate effectively

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Interpret data/laws/policies

Basic computer skills

Education

Master’s Degree

Texas Counselor’s Certificate

Texas Teaching Certificate

Job description

McAllen Independent School District (Milam Elementary School) in McAllen, Texas, seeks a Counselor for Special Education to plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive guidance program, provide counseling to students, and collaborate with staff and families to promote positive student development.

The role requires a Master’s, Texas Counselor’s Certificate, and Texas Teaching Certificate, with 3+ years of classroom teaching experience.