School Counselor

Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences in; El Centro (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences in California seeks an Elementary School Counselor to promote academic achievement and social-emotional development for all students. You will collaborate with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community partners to identify barriers and foster a positive climate.

The role includes home visits, crisis intervention, referrals, and supporting attendance and engagement while contributing to PBIS/MTSS and equitable access to education.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in School Counseling or closely related field.
• Valid California Driver's License and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass all required criminal background and fingerprint clearances.
• Knowledge of MTSS and restorative practices.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to analyze student data and develop intervention plans.
• Proficiency with educational technology and student information systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement intervention plans for students with academic or behavioral challenges.
• Conduct home visits to strengthen family partnerships and address attendance concerns.
• Monitor student attendance and address chronic absenteeism.
• Participate in IEP and Section 504 meetings as appropriate.
• Coordinate referrals to mental health providers and community-based services.
• Maintain confidential student records per FERPA and state laws.
• Prepare required reports and documentation of counseling services.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and outside agencies to coordinate services.

Skills

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Conflict resolution

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in School Counseling

CPR/First Aid certification preferred

Tools

Student information systems

Job description

Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences

Under the general direction of the Principal, the Elementary School Counselor provides a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes the academic achievement, social-emotional development, college and career awareness, and overall well-being of all students. The counselor collaborates with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community agencies to identify and remove barriers to learning, foster a positive school climate, and ensure equitable access to educational opportunities. The position includes conducting home visits, providing crisis intervention, facilitating referrals, and supporting student attendance and engagement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Services

• Develop and implement intervention plans for students experiencing academic or behavioral challenges.
• Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Link to services.
• Assist students in developing conflict resolution, self-regulation, and social-emotional learning skills.
• Support implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), MTSS, and restorative practices.

Family Engagement

• Conduct home visits to strengthen family partnerships, address attendance concerns, assess barriers to student success, and connect families with community resources.
• Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress and support strategies.
• Provide parent education and referrals to appropriate community agencies and social service providers.

Attendance and Student Success

• Monitor student attendance and identify students exhibiting chronic absenteeism or truancy.
• Develop attendance improvement plans and collaborate with families to reduce barriers to regular attendance.
• Participate in Student Attendance Review Team (SART) and Student Attendance Review Board (SARB ) processes when appropriate.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, school psychologists, nurses, and outside agencies to coordinate comprehensive student services.
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 meetings as appropriate.
• Consult with school staff regarding behavioral interventions and classroom supports.
• Coordinate referrals to mental health providers and community-based organizations.

Program Development

• Analyze student data to identify trends and develop proactive interventions.
• Assist in planning prevention programs related to bullying, suicide prevention, substance abuse, and social-emotional wellness.
• Support college and career awareness activities appropriate for elementary students.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain confidential student records in accordance with federal and state laws, including FERPA.
• Prepare required reports, case notes, and documentation related to counseling services and interventions.
• Maintain accurate records of home visits, family contacts, referrals, and student support activities.
• Participate in required professional development and maintain credential requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of school crisis response and threat assessment teams.
• Assist with schoolwide initiatives that promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned that support the educational mission of the school.
• Other duties as Assigned.

REQUIRED CREDENTIALS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field.
• Valid California Driver's License, reliable transportation, and evidence of automobile insurance.
• Ability to pass all required criminal background and fingerprint clearances.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed practices, restorative practices, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
• Knowledge of California Education Code, student confidentiality laws, and mandated reporting requirements.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to analyze student data and develop intervention plans.
• Proficiency with educational technology and student information systems.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer participates in E-Verify. Applications are accepted online only.

Salary Minimum: 33Salary Maximum: 38