COUNSELOR/SOCIAL WORKER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Nogales Unified School District #1

Purpose Statement:

In accordance with the ADE School Safety Program Grant, the elementary counselor/social worker will assist to contribute to a safe school environment for all students through prevention and intervention approaches.  The counselor/social worker will work to develop skills in the areas of personal-social growth, and deterring delinquent or violent behaviors and work as a resource for the school community. The individual will develop positive interactive relationships with students, staff, and community members. 

We currently have three (3) vacancies which will service our elementary schools. These are grant funded positions.

Supervision:

This job reports to PRINCIPAL (multiple sites may be assigned and the supervision will be by the site administrator/principal)

Essential Functions:

• The school counselor/social worker establishes the school counseling program and develops activities and resources to implement and evaluate the program.

• The school counselor/social worker involves other school staff in making decisions about the school counseling program.

• The school counselor/s involves other school staff in making decisions about the school counseling program.

• Composes a wide variety of materials (e.g. quantity reports, student activities, correspondence, audits, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.

• Coordinate the student’s behavioral plan for the purpose of ensuring the plan is implemented as written. Coordinates with teachers, resource specialists and/or community (e.g. service clubs, courts, child protective services, etc.) for the purpose of providing/receiving requested information and/or making recommendations.

• Counsels students, parents, and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.

•  The school counselor/social worker coordinates all counseling services for students and assists with the coordination and implementation of student services in the school.

• The school counselor/social worker coordinates all counseling services for students and assists with the coordination and implementation of student services in the school.

• Develops a variety of special programs for the purpose of providing information to assist students in the successful transition from elementary to middle school. Supervises assigned programs (e.g.) for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall curriculum objectives.

• The school counselor/social worker accurately interprets test results and other student data. The counselor also assists teachers with the educational placement of students by using appropriate educational Assessment strategies.

• The school counselor/social worker adheres to ethical standards of the counseling profession, and abides by the laws, policies, and procedures that govern the schools. The counselor also participates in professional associations and upgrades professional knowledge and skills when needed.

Other Functions

• Monitors students' progress for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success. 
• Participates in child studies/interventions for the purpose of assisting with gathering required information.
• Participates in home visits for the purpose of reaching out to parents in order to discuss/communicate information and/or concerns concerning their child.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices, analytical skills, applying assessment instruments, interpersonal skills, operating standard office equipment, planning and managing projects, preparing and maintaining accurate records, promoting child centered environment.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: bilingual (English/Spanish) helpful, age appropriate activities computer operation/skills, concepts of grammar and punctuation, pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws, stages of child development

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. In working with others, problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting curriculum to meet needs of students, assessing learning outcomes achieved by students, communicating with diverse groups, communicating with students, creating and maintaining climate of respect, implementing activities that promote student learning, maintaining confidentiality, meeting deadlines and schedules, planning instructional goals/outcomes for students working as part of a team working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to impact the Organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and some fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience: Documented competence in counseling children and adolescents preferably in a school setting and:

Education:

• Holds a minimum of a master's degree in school counseling or related field from an accredited institution; and

• Licensed by the State or certified by an independent professional regulatory authority for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; or
• In the absence of such State licensure or certification, possesses national certification in school counseling or a specialty of counseling granted by an independent professional organization; or

• Has experience equivalent to perform the essential functions of the position

Required Testing Certificates & Licenses

ADE AZ State Counselor Certificate and/or Social Worker Certificate

Maintain Valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

FLSA Status/Salary Grade

Exempt; Certificated MA - MA+45