School Counselor

SCHOOL COUNSELOR CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION 1

Job Classification Title: School Counselor Working Title(s): Counselor, Certified FLSA Status: Exempt Pay Grade: C44

This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature and not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The specific tasks/duties may vary based on position assignment and as determined by the District.

JOB CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY Responsible for supporting, promoting, and enhancing the academic, personal, social, emotional, and career development of all students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. Acts as an integral member of the School Safety Program Team to foster safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments through education, prevention, and intervention. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a professional-level classification responsible for designing, delivering, managing, and assessing a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model. This position focuses on implementing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) for mental health and behavioral needs, analyzing data to identify at-risk students, and collaborating with school staff, administrators, and the community to remove systemic barriers to student success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the District's needs.

• In-person attendance is an essential function of this classification.

• Designs and implements a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model and ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success.

• Serves as an active member of the multidisciplinary School Safety Program Team (SSPT), meeting at least quarterly to conduct school safety needs assessments and develop the SSP Continuous Improvement Plan.

• Provides Tier 1 universal interventions, including classroom instruction and schoolwide prevention programming targeting bullying, substance abuse, violence, and self-harm.

• Delivers Tier 2 targeted interventions, such as small-group and individual counseling, for students demonstrating mental health, academic, or behavioral risks.

• Provides Tier 3 intensive supports indirectly through consultation, collaboration, and facilitation of referrals to school and community behavioral health agencies.

• Provides short-term crisis intervention to support the psychological and emotional needs of students and staff affected by trauma or emergencies.

• Completes the SSP CSW Activity Log daily to ensure consistent documentation and accountability in alignment with SSP standards and the school's Continuous Improvement Plan. SCHOOL COUNSELOR CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION 2

• Collaborates with educators to evaluate academic and behavioral progress after interventions and revise plans as appropriate.

• Attends annual required training provided by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) School Safety Program.

• Performs related work as assigned, provided that additional activities do not overwhelm the counselor, jeopardize grant compliance (e.g., intensive 504 case management), or involve inappropriate disciplinary duties, and,

• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE

• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and statutes.
• District policies, procedures, organization structure, and school requirements.
• The ASCA National Model and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks for mental health, academic, and behavioral supports.
• Child development, learning strategies, self-management, and social skills.
• Mental health screening, risk assessment, and crisis response protocols.
• Relevant medical, social, and legal community resources.
• Safety procedures.

SKILLS

• Working under pressure to meet timelines and handling multiple and changing priorities.
• Counseling (short-term individual and group), conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
• Analyzing academic, career, and social/emotional development data to identify student needs and inform program improvements.
• Designing and delivering instructional curriculum related to social/emotional learning and prevention.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Navigating service delivery systems and coordinating referrals for students and families to outside community entities.
• Establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and patience. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (for new hires at job entry) Education and Experience: Master's degree or a more advanced degree from an accredited institution in guidance and counseling, social work, or psychology. Required Certifications/Licenses:
• Valid School Counselor (PreK-12) Certificate issued by the Arizona Department of Education.
• Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card (FPCC).

CLASS HISTORY INFORMATION

Created: 6/2026 Amendments: SCHOOL COUNSELOR PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS 3

OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDS:

Physical Strength for this classification is indicated below with an "X" Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time. Light: Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree. Medium: Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly. Heavy: Exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly. Very Heavy: Exerting over 100 lbs. occasionally, 50-100 lbs. frequently, or up to 20-50 lbs. constantly.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

C Continuously 2/3 or more time F Frequently 1/3 to 2/3 of time O Occasionally Up to 1/3 time R Rarely