School Counselor - Elementary

Muhlenberg School District; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Muhlenberg School District is seeking a School Counselor to support students across academic achievement, personal and social development, and career exploration. You will help students identify goals, strengths, and interests to become productive members of society.

Responsibilities include individual and group counseling, academic guidance, crisis intervention, 504 plan management, and collaboration with teachers and families to foster a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in School Counseling or related field required.
• State certification as a School Counselor in Pennsylvania required.
• Experience in counseling students and guiding academic and career planning.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual counseling sessions addressing academic, personal, and social concerns.
• Assist with 504 plans and accommodations for students.
• Provide group counseling and organize workshops to develop social-emotional skills.
• Support course selection, college planning, and career exploration.
• Respond to crises and collaborate with staff and external resources as needed.
• Collaborate with teachers and parents to support student learning and well-being.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal

Academic/career counseling techniques

Confidentiality and discretion

Education

Master's degree in School Counseling

Pennsylvania School Counselor certification

Job description

Muhlenberg School District

Muhlenberg School District

TITLE: School Counselor DATE: February 8, 2024

CLASSIFICATION: MEA REVISED:

REPORTS TO: Building Principal FLSA STATUS: Exempt

LOCATION: School Buildings

Job Summary

The Guidance Counselor will assist students in areas of academic achievement, personal or social development, and career exploration, so that each student can identify personal goals, strengths, weaknesses, and interests, and grow to become a well-adjusted and productive member of society.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Individual Counseling:
  • Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions with students to address academic, personal, and social concerns.
  • Assist students in setting and achieving academic and personal goals.
  • Provide support and guidance to students dealing with emotional or behavioral challenges.
  • Initiate and manage all 504 plans for students.
• Group Counseling:
  • Facilitate group counseling sessions to address common issues among students.
  • Organize workshops and support groups to enhance students' social and emotional skills.
• Academic Guidance:
  • Collaborate with teachers and parents to identify academic challenges and develop strategies for improvement.
  • Assist students in course selection, college planning, and career exploration.
• Crisis Intervention:
  • Respond promptly to crises or emergencies affecting students.
  • Collaborate with school staff and external resources to provide timely and effective support during critical situations.
• Conflict Resolution:
  • Mediate conflicts between students and help them develop conflict resolution skills.
  • Work with teachers and administrators to address broader issues affecting the school community.
• Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a supportive and conducive learning environment.
  • Attend meetings and participate in professional development activities to stay updated on best practices in counseling.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in School Counseling or related field.
• Pennsylvania State certification as a School Counselor.
• Proven experience in counseling and guiding students.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of academic and career counseling techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with tact.
• Submission of pre-employment medical examination (Section 148 of the Pennsylvania School Code)
• Submission of a report of criminal history record from the Pennsylvania State Police (Section 111 of the Pennsylvania School Code).
• Submission of a clearance report from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare in accordance with Act 151 of 1994.
• Submission of the FBI Criminal History Record in accordance with Act 114 of 2006.
• Submission of sexual misconduct/abuse disclosure release form in accordance with Act 168 of 2014.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Able to sit for an extended period of time.

Able to raise or lower objects from one level to another.

Able to carry objects (up to 20 lbs.) in arms or by other appropriate means.

Able to use hands and arms to reach and pick up objects.

Able to travel inside or outside the District as necessary for work-related tasks.

SENSORY ABILITIES:

Visual acuity

Auditory acuity

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment

TEMPERAMENT:

Must possess excellent interpersonal skills

Must be able to work with students, staff, and the community

Must be cooperative, congenial, and service-oriented

Must be able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions

Must be able to understand and maintain confidentiality

COGNITIVE ABILITY:

Ability to follow written and verbal directions

Ability to read and write

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to organize tasks

Ability to handle multiple tasks

Ability to exercise good judgment

SPECIFIC SKILLS:

Ability to operate office equipment

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.