Wayside Schools·Austin, Texas
The counselor is responsible for planning and presenting activities that support the educational, social, and emotional development of students. Key duties include providing individual and group counseling, conducting safety assessments, and coordinating community supports for families in crisis.
Services are generally provided within a standard classroom environment.
Some movement throughout the school is generally necessary to facilitate learning (e.g., standing, walking, stooping, bending, sitting, and/or kneeling).
Light lifting of materials and other objects associated with a school environment is required (e.g., books, teaching aids, up to approximately 20 – 40 lbs.).
May also be required to pick up students, restrain students as needed, and spend large quantities of time on the floor sitting, squatting, and/or kneeling.
Candidate should be willing to contribute directly or indirectly to the development of children both inside and outside the classroom, which may include working hours in addition to the regular school day.
This position may involve rare exposure to blood or body fluids.
Regular attendance is required for this position.
Candidate receives administrative supervision and is typically evaluated formally one time per year.
It is expected that less experienced candidates will receive additional guidance on instructional matters and that those with more experience will serve as mentors, providing suggestions, guidance, and assistance as appropriate or necessary.
It is expected that some candidates will be more involved in planning and coordinating departmental activities. Supervisor may provide detailed instruction regarding changes in policies, procedures, or laws or in reference to unusual circumstances or problems.
Candidate has significant contact with students, parents, and other school staff to provide instruction, offer guidance, exchange information, and develop social skills of students.
Candidate may also maintain contacts within the community to enrich the content of materials and utilize additional instructional methodologies (e.g., take field trips, invite guest speakers.)
Benefits: Free Health Insurance, including major medical, dental, vision, and life (Employee Only)
Free Pre-K for Staff Children: Professional Development and Coaching
403(b) plan
Texas Retirement System Plan: Stipends for candidates who meet special program qualifications
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Wayside Schools has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., however, from time to time may work an extended schedule, including weekends and evenings, according to the demands of the role and tasks. In accordance with applicable laws and Wayside Schools policies, no person shall be excluded from consideration for recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention or any other personnel action, or be denied any benefits or participation in any educational programs or activities which it operates on the grounds of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status (except where age, sex, or disability constitutes a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to proper and efficient administration). All new employees must present proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in school counseling, social work, or a related field. Required competencies include emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to work with diverse student populations.
Market context
Texas school districts often seek bilingual elementary counselors to support multilingual student populations, especially in campuses serving diverse communities. These roles are competitive because districts value a master’s degree, strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to build trust with young students and families. Before applying, review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit, since they are pulled from the original job description and can save research time.