Purpose: To work with students who have disabilities and special needs, focusing on their academic, social, and emotional development. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create individualized support plans, advocate for students' rights, and provide counseling services. The special education/504 counselor works with students in elementary, middle, or high school, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.
Supervisor: Director of Counseling
Minimum Qualifications:
- Experience with counseling
- Experience with students with disabilities is preferred
- Eligible for NH certification or OPLC license as a Social Worker or School Counselor
- Master's Degree or higher
Skills:
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Proficient with technology, including relevant software applications
- Preparing and maintaining accurate records
Knowledge:
- Develop and implement IEP goals, 504 plans, and write progress reports
- Ability to provide individual and group counseling
- Communicate and collaborate effectively - be a team player
- Advocate for students' rights and needs within the school and community
- Assist with planning for post-secondary education, vocational training, and independent living
- Assist in developing behavior intervention plans and provide support for students with challenging behaviors
- Collect data to monitor student needs
- Encourage and support family involvement in their child's education
Abilities:
- Adapting to changing work priorities
- Communicating with diverse groups and individuals
- Collaborating and working as part of a team
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously
Essential Functions:
- Counselors assist in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans, which outline a student's learning goals and the support services required to achieve them.
- They provide individual and group counseling to address students' emotional, social, and behavioral needs.
- Counselors work closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to coordinate support services and ensure effective communication among all parties involved.
- They advocate for students' rights and needs within the school and community.
- For older students, counselors may provide guidance on planning for post-secondary education, vocational training, and independent living.
- They may assist in developing behavior intervention plans and provide support for students with challenging behaviors.
- Counselors may collect data on student progress and participate in assessments to monitor student needs.
- They encourage and support family involvement in their child's education.
Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.
Working Environment:
The usual methods of performing the job of Special Education/504 Counselor may require the following physical demands:
- Minimal amount(s) of: lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling
- Moderate amount(s) of: fine finger dexterity, repetitive motion(s), walking, bending/squatting
- Significant amount(s) of: mental attention/focus, speaking, listening
Certification:
NHED License as a School Counselor or Social Worker, or NH OPLC License as a Social Worker
MRSD is an EOE