Guidance Counselor (Elementary School) 

Position Purpose 
To help students overcome problems that impede learning and to assist them in making educational, occupational, and life plans that hold promise for their personal fulfillment as mature and responsible adults.

Salary: $45,583-$68,136 (Commensurate with Experience)
Please visit the NCPS website to determine salary specifics according to the current salary scale.

Essential Functions

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Know and effectively communicate the Division philosophy and mission.
• Provide services to students in the areas of academic, personal/social and career development.
• Counsel students individually and in small groups.
• Conduct classroom guidance activities.  
• Expose students to career exploration and interest inventories.  
• Review school data frequently to ensure that the school counseling program is meeting the academic, career and personal/social development of all students.  
• Prepare reports, records, lists and all other required information and data.  
• Encourage teacher/parent communication and community involvement.  
• Assist students in conflict resolution.  
• Manage crises.  
• Assist in the identification of students with special needs.  
• Refer students to intervention/remediation programs, as well as, academic and alternative programs to ensure academic success and personal well-being.  
•  Interpret student records.  
•  Initiate student programs.  
• Refer students to appropriate school personnel and community agencies.  
• Participate in Child Study, IEP and 504 meetings.  
• Participate in parent/teacher conferences. 
• Serve as resource for school personnel and parents.
• Maintain a variety of files/records and departmental library of supplementary and reference materials.
• Follow required procedures and practices.
• Submit monthly time and task reports electronically. 
• Participate in professional development activities.  
• Assist the building principal in developing and maintaining an effective educational program.
• Explain and interpret division-wide policies, goals and objectives to students, parents, and the community that impact students academic achievement and the school counseling program  
• Plan, organize and direct implementation of all school counseling activities. 
• Serve with parents, faculty and other student groups, as requested, in advancing educational and related activities and objectives.
• Provide in-services for instructional staff.
• Create school counseling calendar.  
• Serve on various committees for the total well-being of the school.
• Perform such other tasks and assume such other responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned by the principals.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. 
                Note:  The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. 

Equipment
Use standard office equipment such as; personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone. 

Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. 

Work Schedule
Standard counselor work schedule as set forth in the Counselors' Contract. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current instructional teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of curriculum and concepts.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Work in standard office and school building environments. 
                Note:    Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position. 

Certification/License:

• State Certification as a Guidance Counselor or as required for position.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment or its equivalent, representing intensive course work in the principles and practice of educational guidance; educational testing and measurement; counseling; the organization and administration of guidance services; and the psychology of learning.

Experience
Successful prior counseling experience for the appropriate grade level and/or subject is a plus. 

FLSA Status:       Exempt       10-month position
                                                  10.5-month position
                                                  11-month position
                                                  12-month position