School Counselor (Grades K–8)

Concept Schools; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Concept Schools in Des Moines, Iowa, seeks a licensed School Counselor for Grades K-8 to lead a comprehensive counseling program aligned to state standards and MTSS. The role focuses on college, career, and CTE pathways beginning in grades 5-6, with Tier 2/3 social-emotional supports and collaboration with families and staff.

The counselor will support student engagement, behavior, and transitions while coaching teachers in best practices and delivering targeted professional development.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in school counseling and licensure required.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• Experience collaborating in a team-based environment.
• Preferred experience with MTSS/PBIS and school counseling licensure.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver career awareness and exploration programming for grades 5-6 aligned with Iowa CTE expectations.
• Facilitate lessons on career exploration, postsecondary readiness, and goal setting.
• Deliver health education lessons with administrators and staff per district standards.
• Integrate career awareness into advisory, SEL, and core instruction where appropriate.
• Support transitions between grade bands and into future academic and career pathways.
• Provide individual and small-group counseling for social-emotional, behavioral, or attendance needs.
• Participate in MTSS/PBIS problem-solving teams with data-informed interventions.
• Assist with FBAs, BIPs, and fidelity of implementation.
• Coach teachers in classroom management, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior supports.
• Deliver professional learning on student behavior, SEL, and intervention strategies.
• Collaborate with families and community agencies to expand student support networks.

Skills

Team collaboration

Child development knowledge

Education

Master's Degree in School Counseling

Iowa Professional Service License (School Counselor)

Job description

School Counselor - College, Career and Student Supports (Grades K-8)

• Position Type: Full-Time, Licensed
• Reports To: Building Principal / Regional Superintendent
• Contract: Certified Staff Contract (per Iowa standards)

Position Summary

The School Counselor- College, Career and Student Supports serves as a licensed and endorsed member of the school leadership team, responsible for delivering a comprehensive school counseling program aligned to Iowa Department of Education requirements. This role supports career exploration and CTE pathway awareness beginning in grades 5-6, provides Tier 2 and Tier 3 social-emotional and behavioral interventions, coaches teachers in effective classroom management practices, and collaborates with administrators to strengthen school culture, student engagement, and behavioral outcomes. The counselor works within an MTSS framework and partners with families, staff, and community agencies to ensure students are academically prepared, socially supported, and future-focused.

Essential Responsibilities

College, Career, and CTE Pathway Development

• Design and deliver developmentally appropriate career awareness and exploration programming beginning in grades 5-6, aligned with Iowa CTE pathway expectations.
• Facilitate whole-group lessons and activities related to career exploration, postsecondary readiness, and goal setting.
• Assist in the delivery of sensitive or developmentally appropriate health education lessons, in collaboration with administrators and instructional staff, and in accordance with district curriculum, state standards, and parent notification requirements.
• Collaborate with administrators and teachers to integrate career awareness into advisory, SEL, and core instruction where appropriate.
• Support student transitions between grade bands and into future academic and career pathways.

Student Support & Intervention (Tier 2 / Tier 3)

• Provide individual and small-group counseling for students demonstrating social-emotional, behavioral, or attendance-related needs.
• Participate in MTSS, PBIS, and problem-solving teams, supporting data-informed interventions.
• Assist with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and fidelity of implementation, as appropriate to licensure.
• Support students experiencing prolonged dysregulation, chronic absenteeism, or repeated behavioral challenges.
• Make appropriate referrals and coordinate services with external agencies when needs exceed school-based supports.

Instructional & Classroom Support

• Coach and support teachers in classroom management strategies, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior supports.
• Deliver professional learning for staff related to student behavior, SEL, and effective intervention strategies.
• Serve as a consultative partner to teachers and administrators regarding student behavior and engagement.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as an active member of the school leadership team, contributing to school-wide culture, climate, and systems planning.
• Collaborate with administrators on attendance, discipline trends, and student support planning.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, interventions, and support strategies.
• Build partnerships with community organizations and mental health providers to expand student support networks.

Program Management & Professional Practice

• Develop, implement, and evaluate the school counseling program in alignment with state standards and best practices.
• Maintain accurate documentation and student records using the school's student information system.
• Adhere to ethical standards and professional guidelines established by state and national school counseling organizations.
• Participate in ongoing professional learning and maintain licensure and endorsement requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in School Counseling.
• Valid Iowa Professional Service License with appropriate School Counselor endorsement (or ability to obtain).
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• Experience working with elementary and/or middle school students preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-based, student-centered environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting MTSS, PBIS, or behavioral intervention systems.
• Experience delivering Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
• Familiarity with career exploration or CTE-aligned programming at the middle school level.
• Experience coaching teachers or delivering professional development.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to work indoors in a school setting.
• Ability to engage in standing, walking, sitting, and light lifting as required in a school environment.
• Attendance and punctuality consistent with certified staff expectations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.