About this role
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. 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 KISD core organizational beliefs and values; perform duties effectively and efficiently for the purpose of supporting and contributing to high student achievement.
• 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; model District expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve District goals.
_____________________________________________________________________ MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Counseling
• 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 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.
Consultation
• 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 concerning the educational needs of students, interpretation of assessment data, and implementation of behavior intervention plans in managing disruptive students.
• 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.
Student Management
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students.
• Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
Program Management
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of Special Education Counseling Services and make changes based on the findings.
• Participate in the selection of equipment and instructional materials.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
Policy, Reports, and Law
• Maintain confidentiality.
• 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.
• Pursue Professional Development activities for self and assigned staff; ensure that Professional Development activities are aligned with District goals and initiatives and current professional research.
• Comply with all policies, operating procedures, legal requirements, and verbal and written directives.
• Comply with the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
• Follow District safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
_____________________________________________________________________ QUALIFICATIONS: Education/Certification:
• Master's Degree in Counseling from accredited college or university
• Valid Texas Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Valid Texas School Counselor Certificate (preferred)
Experience:
• Three (3) years' experience in providing responsive counseling services to children or adolescents.
• Two (2) years successful educational experiences (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.
• Strong organizational, communication, teambuilding, and interpersonal skills
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• None
_____________________________________________________________________ MENTAL/PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Tools/Equipment Used:
• Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
Posture:
• Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion:
• Frequent walking; Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
Lifting:
• 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 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.