Special Education Counselor

About the Employer

Job Summary

Plan and provide counseling services to special education students who demonstrate an educational need. Evaluate students and provide therapeutic interventions to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with student's ability to derive benefit from the educational program.

Experience

Three (3) years' experience in providing responsive counseling services to children or adolescents. Two (2) years successful educational experiences (preferred)

Essential Functions

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

Model Core Organizational Beliefs and Values

Model KISD core organizational beliefs and values; perform duties effectively and efficiently for the purpose of supporting and contributing to high student achievement.

Program Support and Service Delivery

Provide program support and service delivery; communicate effectively within and across teams and participate in cross-functional work groups.

Maintain a Commitment to the District Mission

Maintain a commitment to the district mission; model district expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve district goals.

Conduct Independent Evaluations

Conduct independent evaluations to assess students and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with behavioral goals contained in individual education plans (IEP). Evaluate student progress and make determination regarding counseling services.

Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee

Participate in the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee. Assist in interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with communication disorders or conditions according to district procedures.

Consult with Colleagues, Students, and Parents

Consult with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of counseling goals, the needs of the student, and involvement in remedial process.

Consult with Teachers and Relevant Staff

Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students, interpretation of assessment data, and implementation of behavior intervention plans in managing disruptive students.

Present Staff Development Training

Present staff development training in assigned schools to enable school personnel to identify and work more effectively with students with emotional, social, and behavioral disturbances.

Create a Learning Environment

Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students.

Establish Control and Administer Discipline

Establish control and administer discipline according to the student code of conduct and student handbook.

Develop and Coordinate Evaluation

Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of special education counseling services and make changes based on the findings.

Participate in Equipment and Instructional Materials Selection

Participate in the selection of equipment and instructional materials.

Compile, Maintain, and File Records

Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.

Maintain Confidentiality

Maintain confidentiality.

Develop and Maintain Systems for Information Retrieval

Develop and maintain systems for retrieval of information in support of all programs; compile, maintain, file, and secure all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.

Education/Certification

Master's degree in counseling from accredited college or university Valid Texas Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Valid Texas School Counselor Certificate (preferred)

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of procedures for assessing achievement and intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning for educational purposes Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions Knowledge of psycho-social development Strong organizational, communication, teambuilding, and interpersonal skills Ability to identify, access, and utilize the multiplicity of social services available in the community to support students. Knowledge of community-based organizations to help students access appropriate services outside the school setting.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Tools/Equipment Used

Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture, Motion, Lifting

Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting Frequent walking; repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds), occasional heaving lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students

Environment

Therapy and evaluations must be completed on-site from assigned school or building; regular exposure to noise and computer monitors Remote work available when not required on-site and approved by department supervisor Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases Frequent districtwide travel

Mental Demands

Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress work; prolonged or irregular hours

Intent and Acknowledgement

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit, or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.