Counselor, Special Education

• To plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive individualized educational service plan of guidance, including counseling services to assigned school;
• use a planning process to define needs and priorities of populations served; provide a proactive, developmental guidance program to foster principled students who learn, adapt, and innovate to their ever-changing environment;

to promote a positive working relationship, among and between staff and the schools, by establishing a climate conducive to open communications and productive work

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education / Certification :

Master’s Degree, required

Texas Counselor’s Certificate, required

Texas Teaching Certificate, required

Special Knowledge / Skills :

Knowledge of counseling procedures; communicates effectively (verbal and written); utilize effective interpersonal skills;

possess effective organizational and presentation skills; interpret data, federal and state laws and policies, preferred

Experience :

Three (3) years of experience as a classroom teacher, preferred

Daily Rate pay range :

Minimum : $ 290.23

Maximum : $ 413.35

Note : Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

1. Plan and implement the school developmental guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs.

2. Provide guidance and counseling to individuals and groups of students as specified in Individual Education Plans.

3. Provide crisis counseling and / or consultation.

4. Guide students in learning new skills and concepts to have a positive impact on behavior by providing proactive, reinforcement, assessment for understanding and feedback.

5. Monitor and evaluate student progress to assess placement.

6. Assist students in gaining awareness of specific interests, career possibilities and potential for post-secondary options.

7. Consult with parents, administrators, school personnel or students about educational, personal and social needs of students through conferences, phone calls and home visits.

8. Use an effective referral process to work cooperatively with school, community and resource persons to assist students.

9. Assist administrators, teachers, students and parents in the resolution of conflicts.

10. Serve on campus committees that address student needs (ARD's, IEP's and BIP’s).

11. Provide professional development for staff when appropriate.

12. Promote equal access to all career / technical programs and activities based on student career interest and aptitude assessment and ability to succeed in such programs for all students, including students who are members of special populations.

13. Work cooperatively with students, parents and school staff to achieve a positive school climate and community relations.

14. Evaluate and compile data on referred students to determine eligibility for counseling as a related service.

15. Compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other required documents in a timely and efficient manner.

16. Foster collaborative educational efforts among staff by supporting the district’s philosophy and mission and its commitment to site-based shared decision-making.

17. Keep the principal and / or Special Education Coordinator informed regarding the status of all projects or initiatives undertaken and of directives or requests received internally or externally.

18. Pursue professional growth by participating in appropriate in-service opportunities and keep abreast of changes and developments in education as reflected in research, literature and best practice.

19. Use accepted theories and techniques appropriate to school counseling.

20. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.

21. Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

None

EQUIPMENT USED :

Computer, copier, fax machine, multimedia equipment

WORKING CONDITIONS : Mental Demands :

Mental Demands :

Maintain emotional control under stress; coordinate projects; meet deadlines

Physical Demands / Environmental Factors :

Frequent prolonged and irregular hours; frequent districtwide and occasional state or national travel

Assists in restraining students in a crisis situation