School Counselor, Sunnyside Elementary School, 0.5 FTE

Durango School District is accepting applications for a part-time Elementary School Counselorto join the team in the 26/27 school year at Sunnyside Elementary School. Must hold Colorado Department of Education Special Services Counselor license by the start date of the position. Begins 8/17/2026.

For the 26/27 SY this position includes a $900 one-time bonus! (Note bonus pro-rated for late start).

Job Title: School Counselor - Small School

Pay Grade: Licensed Salary Schedule Job Family: Special Services Providers

FLSA: Exempt Department: School Based

Typical Work Year: 10 Months Prepared Date: 12/14/16; 7/15/24; Rev 2/18/2026

SUMMARY: Utilizing leadership advocacy and collaboration the Small School Counselor promotes student success provides preventive services and responds to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic career and personal/social development for all students. This role assesses student needs monitors performance and consults with instructional staff to provide strategies for academic and personal addition to general counseling duties this position provides specialized social work and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) minutes for students with disabilities and implements the districts Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for student wellbeing. The Small School Counselor also serves as back-up coverage for the school principal when they are out of the building.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Instructional & Program Support:
• Plan and implement services that support students in content areas.
• Provide adaptive services based upon identified unique characteristics of students and communities.
• Implement the districts Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for student wellbeing.
• Implement programming designed to increase postsecondary workforce readiness and Portrait of a Graduate skills.
• Student Wellbeing & Specialized Services:
• Provide social work and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) minutes for students with disabilities as required by individual programming.
• Respond to student mental health crises by offering education prevention and access to crisis/short-term counseling.
• Work with and counsel identified students to enhance personal/social growth and increase responsibility for behavior.
• Provide resources for students to improve interpersonal relationships learn problem-solving skills and resolve conflicts.
• School Culture & Leadership:
• Assess school culture and climate to ensure an inviting respectful and inclusive environment.
• Serve as back-up coverage for the school principal when the principal is out of the building.
• Create accessible learning environments characterized by acceptable student behavior and appropriate strategies.
• Consult with and assist instructional staff with program modifications to support student growth.
• Collaboration & Compliance:
• Maintain constructive lines of communication with families and professionals to build partnerships.
• Provide training and tools to enable parents/guardians to meet their childs academic and social-emotional needs.
• Lead and assist with Site-Based MTSS RTI IEP and Child Study meetings.
• Meet all legal requirements and timelines for professional practices including IEPs ICAPs 504s and graduation plans.
• Monitor data to set trends and implement programs to close achievement gaps.
• Make referrals to community resources as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Assure the safety and welfare of students including necessary actions to ensure that students are supervised at all times.
• Demonstrate faithfulness and promptness in attendance at work.
• Submit required reports promptly at the times specified.
• Demonstrate care of and protection of School District property.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.
• Use the Districts internet and E-mail system as specified in Policy.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Principal Superintendent or their designees.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Masters degree in Counseling or Social Work.

• Colorado Department of Education License for School Counselor or School Social Work or eligibility for state licensure.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training required within two months of hire.

EXPERIENCE: Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring.

CERTIFICATES LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS : Ability to get to work and travel within Durango School District and LaPlata County. Must hold or be able to obtain by start date a Colorado Department of Education License for school counselor.

TECHNICAL SKILLS KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

• Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills
• Consultation skills.
• Ability to develop and support the behavior intervention plans classroom management systems and reinforcement systems.
• Ability to use effective interventions for at risk learners.
• Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Knowledge of developmental emotional and behavioral disabilities.
• Experience in data collection and data analysis.
• Ability to develop and provide training related to accessing community resources and behavioral intervention practices in all school settings.
• Non-violent and physical intervention techniques.
• Ability to use proper English grammar punctuation and sentence structure
• Knowledge of first aid skills.
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education and District Policies Superintendent policies and building/department procedures.

Durango School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race color sex religion national origin ancestry creed age marital status sexual orientation genetic information disability or need for special education services in admissions access to treatment or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates or any other applicable status protected by federal state or local law. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures contact Laura Galido Compliance Officer Durango School District281 Sawyer Drive Suite 100 Durango CO 81303 or the Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education 1244 Spear Boulevard Suite 310 Denver CO 80204-3582 .