Counselor

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

Provides individual and group counseling, community liaison consultation, and family counseling/ consultation in order to enhance the social/emotional development and educational adjustment of students attending the Discovery programs.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Employee(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Conducts a functional assessment of students’ baseline social/emotional functioning by collecting and integrating information from the following sources: review of records, student interview, teacher interview, parent interview, behavioral observations, and administration of appropriate assessment instruments, including behavior checklists and self-report scales.
• Develops goals and objectives to be included in students’ individualized educational programs (IEPs) which address problematic aspects of students’ social/emotional functioning.
• Provides individual and/or group counseling to students on a regularly scheduled basis pursuant to IEP goals and objectives.
• Provides emergency counseling for students in crisis as needed.
• Assists staff in the management and resolution of student crises.
• Collects data on student progress at regular intervals.
• Redefines and modifies counseling goals, objectives, and therapeutic intervention strategies as needed.
• Provides consultation for program staff relative to appropriate programming/ intervention strategies.
• Assists teachers in implementing group process procedures within the classroom.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the program and social service agencies.
• Provides consultation to receiving building staff as needed in order to facilitate the successful transition of students to lesser restrictive placements.
• Provides family consultation/counseling services as needed to the parents and families of Discovery students.
• Assists students’ parents in accessing appropriate community resources as needed.
• Completes all required reports and records in an accurate and timely manner.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of program goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of effective techniques used in the assessment of students with social/emotional development and educational difficulties.
• Knowledge of individual, group, and crisis counseling practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of service agencies, both public and private, that may have a direct and/or indirect impact on individual students’ needs.
• Strong organizational and record keeping skills.
• Proper grammar, spelling, proofreading, and punctuation skills.
• Knowledge of effective leadership and decision-making techniques.
• Ability to effectively use technology and/or software to perform essential functions.
• Ability to assess students with social and emotional difficulties and assist the teacher in providing the most appropriate IEP for each student.
• Ability to work with students in a manner that provides mutual respect yet allows for effective intervention.
• Ability to prepare accurate, clear, and concise records and reports.
• Ability to answer questions relating to program goals, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
• Ability to work independently using effective time management.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and agency records.
• Ability to react spontaneously to situations in which crisis intervention is necessary
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, school district staff, public and private agencies, family members, and the public.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related field and two years of experience working with emotionally disturbed youth in an educational environment. Washington State educational certificate with School Counselor endorsement required. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in an educational center for special needs students. Travel may be required on occasion. Must be physically capable of performing de-escalation techniques. Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Due to the nature of the population of the school, hazards include but are not limited to exposure to weapons, threats, verbal abuse, hitting, fighting, throwing of objects, etc.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.