CSocial Emotional Learning

Background Information:

This work session on Social and Emotional Learning will focus on many of the student trainings and staff professional development opportunities provided in the area of social and emotional learning (SEL) and Trauma informed/sensitive practices. Additionally, we will discuss plans for continued future focus on SEL and provide an update on the expansion of our partnerships with community behavioral/mental health partners and the elementary counselor positions, which will be implemented in the Fall of 2020.

Elementary School Counselor Job Duties, Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

The School Counselor will work with site principal or principals to prioritize which of the functions listed below will be the focus of their work at individual school sites.

Curriculum

• Provides leadership and collaborates with other educators and administrators.
• Maintains, supports and/or implements curriculum to support Social Emotional Learning (SEL); Academic and Career Awareness, Exploration, and Planning; Bullying Awareness; Character Education; and other topics as needed or directed by administration.

Individual Student Planning

• Assists all students, individually or in groups, with developing academic and personal/social skills goals and plans.
• Accurately and appropriately interprets and utilizes student data for those students who are at risk of academic and social failure.
• Collaborates with parents/guardians and educators to assist students in current and future educational planning including educational and career planning.

Preventive and Responsive Services

• Provides individual and group counseling to students with identified concerns and needs as identified through the school-based intervention team. School Counselors will not provide therapy.
• Provides classroom instruction to students in positive behavior strategies.
• Consults and collaborates effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs. Makes appropriate referrals to community resources.
• Implements an effective referral and follow-up process.
• Accurately and appropriately uses assessment data for determining and structuring individual and group counseling services.
• Establish, maintain, and monitor the maintenance of a variety of files and records pertaining to student counseling, guidance, and related matters.

System Support

• Provides appropriate information to staff related to the comprehensive school counseling program.
• Provides information to parents related to the school counseling program and provides parent classes on topics covered in the classroom lessons.
• Assists teachers, parents/guardians and other stakeholders in maintaining the school's positive climate and culture.
• Participates in professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills.
• Uses available technology resources to enhance the school counseling program.
• Adheres to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession.
• Respond to school crisis intervention and response. Provide support to students and families as they navigate crisis and emergency situations