School Counseling Support Specialist

TITLE:School Counseling Support Specialist

POSITION TYPE:SPEC

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience:

1. Masters degree in School Counseling; Iowa professional service license (or eligibility to obtain).
2. Five (5) years successful K12 school counseling experience.
3. Demonstrated leadership in hiring coaching or program coordination.

Desired Education and Experience:

1. Experience supervising interns or mentoring new counselors.
2. Prior work with university partnerships or educator preparation programs.
3. Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.

Skills Knowledge and Abilities:

1. Deep understanding of the ASCA National Model Multi-Tiered System of Supports and current best practices
2. in counseling.
3. Skill in adult learning design facilitation and data-driven program evaluation.
4. Strong organizational project management and communication abilities.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The School Counseling Support Specialist (SCSS) provides districtwide leadership for all aspects of the school- counseling talent pipeline and professional growth system. Working under the direction of the School Counseling Coordinatorand in close partnership with Talent & Personnel building principals and university partnersthe SCSS recruits hires onboards mentors and develops school counselors so they can deliver high impact ASCA-aligned programs that improve student outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Serve as first point of contact when vacancies arise; collaborate with Talent & Personnel to coordinate

   notification posting and communication timelines to ensure equitable and efficient hiring cycles.

2. Chair district screening teams facilitate placement interviews with principals and guide buildings in final

   selection decisions.

3. Design and deliver multiday summer orientation and induction sessions for new-to-profession and new-to-

   district counselors.

4. Create year-long onboarding roadmap resource hub and check-in cadence; monitor progress and adjust

   supports as needed.

5. Provide individualized research-based coaching cycles (prep observe debrief) for all counselors in

   Years 13 and for any counselor who self-refers or is identified for additional support through the evaluation

   process.

6. Collaborate with each coachee to set data-driven growth goals around Tier 1 instruction Tier 2 group

   interventions or Tier 3 individual counseling skills.

7. Maintain a flexible coaching caseload that scales with district demand rather than a fixed quota; adjust

   intensity (e.g. frequency of visits virtual check-ins) to match counselors need.

8. Document baseline data coaching actions and evidence of growth; share progress reports with counselors

   principals and the School Counseling Coordinator and recommend support for next steps.

9. In collaboration with the School Counseling Coordinator conduct needs assessments; develop annual

   professional development calendar aligned to ASCA National Model district initiatives and counselor skill

   bands.

10. Plan and facilitate workshops support PLCs and coaching cycles; evaluate impact through data collection

    and participant feedback.

11. Act as primary liaison to graduate preparation programs across the Midwest; maintain partnerships market

    district opportunities and host biannual information sessions.

12. Manage application placement and supervision systems for practicum students and interns; support site

    supervisors and ensure compliance with ASCA ethical standards.

13. Collect and analyze data on hiring retention PD effectiveness and intern outcomes; prepare reports for

    leadership.

14. Contribute to program evaluations grant proposals and strategic planning initiatives.

15. Represent the counseling program on district committees and at regional/state conferences as requested.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

1. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public students and other employees.
4. Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

DEPARTMENT:Student and Family Services

REPORTS TO:School Counseling Coordinator

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM:Student Services Director

BARGAINING GROUP:NA

FLSA STATUS:Exempt

FT/PT:Full Time 260 Days 8Hours/Day

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Standing walking sitting bending/stooping reaching/pushing/pulling lifting carrying

WORKING CONDITIONS:Mostly indoors with some outdoor responsibilities during arrival/dismissal

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor subject to reasonable accommodation.

Employee Benefits Information

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check and a child and adult abuse registry check. Certain positions may require fingerprinting a drug and alcohol test a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.

For questions about this position contact:

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority