JOB TITLE: Special Education Counselor
HOUR STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Executive Director of SPED
PAY GRADE: AP3/192 Days
DEPT./SCHOOL: Special Education
DATE REVISED: 06/2026
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The Special Education Counselor provides direct and consultative counseling services to students receiving special education services who have social, emotional, behavioral, physical, or transitional needs that may impact their educational experience. This role involves collaboration with school staff, families, and external support agencies to create a supportive and inclusive environment that addresses the individual needs of students with disabilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related mental health field
Certification:
Valid Texas counseling certificate or licensure (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMSW, or school counselor certification)
Experience:
Practicum or internship experience in school or clinical settings
Experience providing counseling services to children or adolescents with disabilities
Experience with ARD/IEP processes and team collaboration preferred
Skills and Qualities
Deep understanding of emotional/behavioral disabilities and the impact on functioning
Familiarity with IEP processes, transition planning, and related services under IDEA
Strong skills in therapeutic counseling techniques and behavioral interventions
Excellent collaboration, communication, and documentation skills
Ability to consult with multidisciplinary teams, families, and external providers
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Counseling and Support Services
Provide one-on-one and group counseling to students in a variety of settings including special education and general education classrooms
Deliver classroom-based and push-in support focused on social skills, self-regulation, emotional awareness, and coping strategies
Facilitate responsive services for students exhibiting emotional distress or behavioral needs
Coach students in crisis or conflict situations using trauma-informed, supportive practices
Provide peer mediated groups with identified students, as well as social skills training in the BSC per ARD or BSC request
Collaboration and Consultation
Work directly with special education and general education teachers to ensure students' support needs are understood and met
Collaborate with related service providers (OT, PT, SLP, school psychologists) for holistic planning
Assist teams in understanding and implementing interventions and accommodations
Advocate for student needs and effective practices within IEP and staffing meetings
Family Engagement
Support families in understanding the special education process and their rights under IDEA
Serve as a liaison between school and home to improve communication and consistency
Guide families in implementing effective strategies at home to support their child's development
Refer families to community agencies, mental health resources, and other external supports
Evaluation and IEP Development
Conduct counseling evaluations using appropriate assessment tools
Prepare clear and thorough evaluation reports and Counseling IEP goals
Present evaluation findings and service recommendations to ARD committees
Observe students and provide data-based input on social/emotional functioning
Crisis Response
Respond promptly and appropriately to emotional or behavioral crises
Develop and implement crisis intervention and safety plans in collaboration with staff and families
Support students and staff post-crisis to re-establish a safe and productive environment
Maintain relevant certifications such as Handle With Care and TBSI
Professional Practice
Maintain accurate, confidential, and data-driven documentation
Follow all district, state, and federal guidelines for related services and ethical counseling practices
Participate in ARD meetings, staffings, and professional learning communities
Attend continuing education and professional development activities to improve service delivery
Complete other duties as assigned
Mental Demands
Ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate sensitive situations, and maintain composure under stress
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Full-time position, with occasional evening or weekend work required.
Work is typically performed in a school environment, with frequent in-district travel and occasional travel to other locations.
Occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs)
Extended screen use
Other duties as assigned.
Legal Framework
Services provided by Special Education Counselors fall under Related Services as defined by IDEA (34 CFR §300.34) and are delivered when required for a student to access or benefit from their educational program. Educational need encompasses emotional, behavioral, and social factors, not limited to academic performance.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.
Copperas Cove ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, or age in its programs, activities or employment practices.
For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, contact: Executive Director of Human Resources, (254) 547-1227, 408 S. Main, Copperas Cove, TX 76522