At a Glance
- Tasks: Support K-5 students' academic and emotional growth through counselling and guidance.
- Company: Join a supportive school community dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Engage with diverse students and families in a dynamic educational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives and foster a positive school environment.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in School Counseling and valid Michigan certification required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33699 £ per year.
The Elementary School Counselor supports the academic, social-emotional, and career development needs of students in grades K–5. The counselor works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community agencies to create a positive learning environment that promotes student success, well-being, and personal growth. Services are delivered through classroom guidance lessons, individual counseling, small-group counseling, consultation, and crisis intervention.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Student Support Services
- Provide individual and small-group counseling to address academic, behavioral, social, and emotional concerns.
- Deliver classroom guidance lessons aligned with the school counseling curriculum and the standards of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
- Assist students in developing self‑awareness, self‑management, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills.
- Support students experiencing personal, family, or school‑related challenges.
- Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention as needed.
- Academic Support
- Collaborate with teachers and staff to identify and address barriers to student learning.
- Monitor student progress and assist in developing interventions for academic success.
- Participate in student support teams, MTSS processes, and special education meetings as appropriate.
- Help students develop organizational, study, and goal‑setting skills.
- Family and Community Engagement
- Serve as a liaison between school, home, and community resources.
- Consult with parents/guardians regarding student concerns and available support services.
- Coordinate referrals to outside agencies and mental health providers when necessary.
- Provide parent education and resources related to child development and student well‑being.
- School Climate and Leadership
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and positive school environment.
- Support school-wide initiatives related to attendance, behavior, social-emotional learning, and bullying prevention.
- Participate in crisis response planning and implementation.
- Collaborate with administrators and staff to improve student outcomes and school culture.
- Program Management
- Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student records in accordance with federal and state laws.
- Collect and analyze data to assess program effectiveness and student needs.
- Participate in professional development and maintain required certifications.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Certification
- Valid Michigan School Counselor Certification and/or endorsement as required by the Michigan Department of Education.
- Ability to meet all state and district employment requirements.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of child development, counseling techniques, and social-emotional learning practices.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations and families.
- Understanding of trauma‑informed practices and behavioral interventions.
- Proficiency with student information systems and educational technology.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working with elementary‑aged students.
- Experience with MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, and crisis response.
- Training in social-emotional learning programs and mental health support.
- Physical Requirements
- Ability to move throughout the school building and campus.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and families.
- Ability to perform duties requiring sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting of educational materials.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary and benefits are provided in accordance with district policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable Michigan laws.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The district is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Elementary School Counselor employer: Wayne County Schools Employment Network
As an Elementary School Counselor in Michigan, you will join a supportive and collaborative work environment dedicated to fostering student success and well-being. Our school prioritises professional development and offers numerous opportunities for growth, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of K–5 students while working alongside passionate educators and community partners. With a commitment to inclusivity and a positive school climate, we provide a rewarding atmosphere where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
Wayne County Schools Employment Network Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Elementary School Counselor
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Wayne County Schools Employment Network.
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We think you need these skills to ace Elementary School Counselor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Wayne County Schools Employment Network:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Wayne County Schools Employment Network! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wayne County Schools Employment Network
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
