School Counselor

Portland Public Schools: School Counselor Oakwood Elementary

Portland Public Schools seeks an innovative and passionate Elementary Counselor to work within the districts MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) and PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) system to provide social and emotional support to students in grades PK - 2.

The desired candidate would possess the following attributes:

• Exceptional communication analysis interpersonal and organizational skills

• Understanding of or demonstrated training in PBIS and MTSS initiatives

• Ability to handle complex and stressful issues or situations with sound judgment common sense and a calm demeanor

• Impeccable character a good sense of humor and compassion for students families and staff

• Ability to integrate technology into teaching and learning practices

• Experience in working with special needs students

• Willingness to undertake extra-curricular assignments

Eligible candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Education Teaching Counseling or related field

• MI School Counselor Certificate K-12 School endorsement

• Experience as a teacher or counselor in a K-12 setting.

• Experience with MTSS and PBIS.

• Ability to develop and sustain positive working relationships with students staff parents and district colleagues

• Demonstrated ability to sustain and improve student achievement outcomes

• Willingness to contribute to a safe school climate of high expectations and strong collaboration high staff and student morale and positive community involvement

Principle duties and responsibilities:

This position works within the counseling department at Portland Public Schools and is directly responsible for ensuring the district meets the social and emotional needs of students within the districts MTSS system.

• Implement behavioral health interventions to enhance the psychological behavioral emotional cognitive and social factors important for the prevention treatment or management of behavioral health concerns.

• Provide whole class and small group instruction based on the social and emotional needs of the student population.

• Provide Behavioral Health Counseling Services

• Facilitate universal screenings for student behavior.

• Collect and analyze student behavioral assessment data to determine student and building needs (SRSS/SWIS).

• Assess needs for additional counseling services; making referrals when appropriate to Community Mental Health System

• Participation in Child Find meetings.

• Work with Behavior Coach and teaching staff to provide training and support for students who have social and emotional needs.

• Provide training and support to staff on educating students who have experienced trauma.

• Maintain a community resource list and build school/resource relationships in order to assist students and families in need.

• Analyze student attendance data and provide support to families of students with high absences and/or those that are truant.

• Develop deliver and support those delivering a Career Readiness program for elementary schools.

• Provide classroom guidance and scheduling to deliver 2nd Steps curriculum.

• Regular attendance at MTSS meetings and an active member of elementary MTSS teams.

• Active member of the crisis response team that will provide assistance to families in an emergency.

• Use of WillSub system or other system as directed by district for absences.

• Maintain accurate records and confidentiality.

• Position will require some before and after school meetings and some evening and weekend activities.

• Other duties as assigned.
  

Knowledge skills and abilities:

• Has a strong attention to detail and is well organized.

• Is a self starter and proactive problem solver.

• Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

• Works well with others from diverse backgrounds. Focuses on solving conflict; maintaining confidentiality; listening to others; remaining open to others ideas and contributing to building a positive team spirit.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to communicate fluently both verbally and in writing. Ability to read and interpret documents. Ability to prepare general correspondence.

• Ability to understand school policies rules and procedures and apply them properly in the context of repetitive and new situations.

• Possess basic knowledge of modern office methods practices procedures basic computer word processing applications e-mail and internet software. Ability to type accurately and proficiently.

• Ability to work effectively in a school office setting.

• Ability to respond sensitively to common inquiries or complaints.

• Ability to multi-task and exercise good judgment while working in a dynamic environment.

Position Details:

• Title: Elementary Counselor

• Reports to: Building Principal

• Calendar: As per District Calendar and PEA contract

• Compensation: In accordance with PEA contract

• Posting date: July 25 2025

• Application deadline: August 8 2025 or until filled

Application Process:

Applicants for the position may email the following documents in one attachment to: or apply online at: