Primary Purpose:
The Direct Service School Counselor provides comprehensive school-based counseling services to PK12 students across Region 16 districts. In alignment with the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs this role includes direct student support program development academic guidance crisis response and collaboration with school staff and families. The counselor will also maintain accurate documentation and uphold professional and ethical standards in all areas of service delivery.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification
- Texas teaching and counseling certifications required
Skills
- Minimum of 3 years counseling experience in a public school setting required
- Demonstrated ability to relate well with others
- Self-motivated and customer service-oriented with strong public/human relations planning and organizational skills
- Strong problem-solving skills required
- Strong communication skills required
- Strong technology skills required
- Required ability to travel for work outside of regularly scheduled work hours
Working Conditions:
- Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
- Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting frequent standing; occasional bending/stooping pushing/pulling twisting and standing
- Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing and walking repetitive hand motions frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching occasional driving
- Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
- Environment: Must be physically able to work inside; tolerate frequent districtwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noise
- Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion
- Regular Attendance is an essential function
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
- Evaluate academic behavioral and social-emotional data to identify student needs and create appropriate intervention strategies.
- Design individualized and group counseling plans with measurable outcomes that align with district goals and student needs.
- Deliver one-on-one and group counseling addressing academic challenges behavioral concerns emotional wellness and mental health.
- Assist with course planning transitions and study skill development while monitoring and supporting students academic progress.
- Administer career assessments host college/career events and support students in postsecondary and career planning efforts.
- Offer immediate support in student crisis situations and coordinate referrals to appropriate school or external mental health resources.
- Work with school staff families and community partners to coordinate comprehensive support and participate in student support planning.
- Maintain accurate confidential documentation of counseling services.
- Customize service plans for each Local Education Agency (LEA) ensuring alignment with Region 16 goals and Texas Model standards.
- Assists in selecting and using all available counseling resources and develops additional resources as needed to assist districts.
- Maintain ethical conduct adhere to FERPA regulations and actively participate in required trainings to remain current with best practices.
- Collaboratively provides professional development and guidance to Direct Service Counselors.
- Travels as a part of job responsibilities.
- Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the service area director. A functioning cell phone means that it is charged activated messages checked and mailbox emptied regularly.
- Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
- Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
- Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
- Supports the mission goals and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
- Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
- Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies processes and procedures.
- Manages time calendar and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
- Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by the supervisor.
- Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
- Performs other duties as assigned.