Elementary/Middle School Counselor

SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Tolbert at DeLaSalle serves students in grades PreK–8 by providing a safe, supportive, and academically rigorous learning environment where every child is known, valued, and challenged to succeed. We believe that strong relationships, high expectations, and restorative practices create the foundation for student success.

Our mission is to prepare students academically, socially, and emotionally for success in high school, college, careers, and life. We develop confident learners, compassionate leaders, and responsible citizens through engaging instruction, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for authentic learning experiences.

OUR BELIEFS

• We believe every child can learn and deserves excellent instruction.
• We believe strong relationships are the foundation of student success.
• We believe restorative practices foster accountability, growth, and belonging.
• We believe students deserve opportunities to develop leadership, character, and resilience.
• We believe families are essential partners in a child's education.
• We believe student voice should be respected and cultivated.
• We believe every student deserves the support necessary to reach their full potential.

POSITION SUMMARY

The School Counselor serves as a leader in promoting the academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and college-and-career readiness of all students through a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.

Working collaboratively with administrators, teachers, families, and community partners, the counselor helps remove barriers to learning while fostering a positive school climate where every student is supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Support

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to support students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development.
• Build meaningful relationships with students to understand their strengths, challenges, and individual needs.
• Assist students in developing self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, healthy relationships, and resilience.
• Implement age-appropriate classroom guidance lessons aligned with ASCA standards.

School Climate & Culture

• Champion a comprehensive school counseling program utilizing the ASCA National Model and work toward RAMP implementation.
• Support the implementation of restorative practices that promote accountability, relationship building, and conflict resolution.
• Collaborate with school leadership to strengthen school culture, student engagement, attendance, and positive behavior supports.
• Participate in crisis response, threat assessment, safety planning, and student re-entry meetings as appropriate.

Academic Success

• Monitor student academic progress and collaborate with teachers and families to identify interventions before students fall behind.
• Assist with MTSS processes by analyzing academic, attendance, and behavioral data to identify student needs.
• Participate in Student Support Team, IEP, and Section 504 meetings as appropriate.
• Help students develop executive functioning, organization, study habits, and goal-setting skills.

Family & Community Partnerships

• Build strong partnerships with parents and caregivers to support student success.
• Connect students and families with appropriate community resources and outside services.
• Collaborate with community agencies and mental health providers when appropriate.

College & Career Awareness

• Foster age-appropriate college and career awareness through classroom lessons, leadership opportunities, career exploration, and goal setting.
• Assist eighth-grade students and families with successful transition planning into high school.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and confidential student records in accordance with FERPA and ethical standards.
• Analyze student outcome data to evaluate counseling program effectiveness and guide continuous improvement.
• Participate actively on school leadership teams and contribute to school improvement planning.
• Maintain professional licensure and engage in ongoing professional learning.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Master's Degree in School Counseling or closely related field.
• Valid Missouri School Counselor certification (or ability to obtain).
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while exercising sound professional judgment.

Preferred

• Three or more years of school counseling experience.
• Experience serving elementary and/or middle school students.
• Experience working in urban education or charter schools.
• Experience implementing restorative practices, MTSS, PBIS, and trauma-informed practices.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including special education and mental health providers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & DISPOSITIONS

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A deep belief that every child can succeed.
• A commitment to restorative, relationship-centered practices.
• The ability to build trust with students, families, and staff.
• Cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Data-informed decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to a high-performing professional team.
• Passion for preparing students to become confident learners, compassionate leaders, and engaged members of their community.