School Counselor

Location: Atlas Elementary, St. Louis, MO
Reports to: Head of Student Support Services

Position Summary:

Atlas Elementary is seeking a dedicated and compassionate School Counselor to support our students' academic, social, and emotional development.The primary responsibility of the school guidance counselor at Atlas Elementary is to implement a comprehensive guidance program that supports the developmental process of fulfilling the educational, vocational, psychological, and social needs of students.  The School Counselor will collaborate with teachers, families, and staff to ensure that all students are set up for success in both their academic journey and personal growth. This role is essential to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where every child thrives.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Support

• Provide individual and group counseling to help students develop effective learning strategies and study habits.


• Collaborate with teachers and staff to implement strategies for improving academic performance.


• Support intervention efforts for students who are struggling academically, working closely with the Student Success Coordinator.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Mental Health

• Deliver classroom-based SEL lessons that align with the school’s mission, Responsive Classroom practices and the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Program Model. 


• Creates and maintains a 504 Plan for identified students as required


• Facilitate and lead social skills groups for students with IEPs and 504 plans, focusing on enhancing communication, peer relationships, grief, self-esteem, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation, while collaborating with teachers and special education staff to ensure individualized support and progress.


• Provide short-term individual and group counseling to address emotional and behavioral concerns.


• Offer crisis intervention services and provide resources or referrals for students requiring specialized mental health support.


• Implement school-wide anti-bullying programs and awareness campaigns.


• Conduct classroom lessons on empathy, kindness, and conflict resolution.


• Train teachers and staff on recognizing and addressing bullying behaviors.


• Promote a positive school climate through initiatives that encourage inclusion and respect.

Behavioral Interventions & Support

• Contributing member of Atlas’ Care Team to problem solve and create student success plans.


• Monitor student behavior and support positive behavior strategies consistent with Atlas’ behavior systems and logical consequences framework.


• Facilitate conflict resolution and peer mediation sessions to promote a positive school climate.

Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as a liaison between families and the school, offering strategies for parents to support their child’s academic and emotional well-being.


• Collaborate with social worker or school nurse to conduct family workshops and provide resources on topics such as mental health, positive behavior strategies, and academic support.

Crisis Prevention and Response

• Serve as a first responder in addressing student needs during emergencies or traumatic events.


• Support students in coping with crises through counseling and referrals to outside resources in collaboration with the social worker.


• Investigate bullying complaints and collaborate with teachers and administrators.


• Mediate conflicts between students when appropriate.


• Develop intervention plans for both victims and perpetrators of bullying.

Data Collection and Reporting

• Collect and analyze student data to assess the effectiveness of counseling services.


• Provide regular reports on student progress related to academic, social, and behavioral goals.


• Contribute to the development and progress monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans as needed.

Career and Life Skills Development

• Offer age-appropriate lessons on career awareness and exploration.


• Teach essential life skills, including goal-setting, decision-making, problem-solving, and self-regulation to prepare students for future success.

Qualifications:

• Creates and maintains a Professional Development Plan


• Annually earns a minimum of 20 professional development or continuing education hours


• Master’s degree in School Counseling, Psychology, or a related field


• Missouri School Counselor Certification (or the ability to obtain certification)


• Minimum of 2 years of counseling experience in a school setting, preferably at the elementary level


• Strong knowledge of academic, social-emotional, and behavioral intervention strategies


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills


• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, families, and external organizations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a diverse, urban school setting


• Familiarity with Responsive Classroom practices


• Experience with crisis response and intervention