Elementary Counselor

Elementary Counselor

Birmingham Public Schools is seeking an Elementary Counselor for Greenfield and Beverly Elementary Schools. This is a 10 month, full time position split between the two buildings. The Elementary School Counselor promotes student success by delivering a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate school counseling program that addresses the academic, social-emotional, and early career awareness needs of all students. Working collaboratively with educators, families, special education staff, and community partners, the counselor supports a positive school climate, facilitates early intervention services, and helps foster foundational skills for lifelong learning and personal growth.

Essential Responsibilities

• Deliver proactive, classroom-wide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) instruction using evidence-based curricula.
• Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling focused on emotional regulation, peer relationships, coping strategies, anxiety, and decision-making.
• Facilitate crisis prevention, response, and trauma-informed support for students and families in times of need.
• Promote a positive, inclusive school climate through behavioral interventions and restorative practices.
• Assist students in developing executive functioning, organization, and positive learning habits.
• Coordinate early career awareness and exploration activities to spark interest in future pathways.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to monitor student academic progress and attendance.
• Actively participate in child study teams, MTSS problem-solving teams, and Student Support Teams (SST) to identify student needs and design targeted interventions.
• Collaborate with special education teams, school social workers, psychologists, and speech therapists regarding 504 plans and IEP accommodations/transition planning.
• Analyze behavior and attendance data to help implement effective Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 interventions.
• Align the elementary counseling program with the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) National Model and Michigan Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling framework.
• Maintain accurate records of student contacts, small-group progress, and intervention outcomes while maintaining student confidentiality.
• Utilize school data (attendance, behavior referrals, climate surveys) to assess counseling program impact and drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct workshops, informational sessions, and orientation programs for families (e.g., Kindergarten Orientation, Middle School Transition).
• Connect families with local community resources, mental health agencies, food assistance, and emergency support services.
• Maintain regular, transparent communication with staff and families regarding SEL goals, school initiatives, and developmental milestones.
• Advocate for equitable access to educational resources and support for all students, including English Learners (EL) and McKinney-Vento (homeless) populations.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid Michigan School Counselor License (SCL), Michigan Teaching Certificate with a School Counselor (NT) Endorsement, or a Preliminary School Counselor License (PSCL) issued by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).
• Master's degree in School Counseling or Counselor Education from an accredited institution.
• Strong understanding of child development, elementary pedagogy, and behavioral management strategies. Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), PBIS, and trauma-informed educational practices. Familiarity with Michigan educational standards, Section 504 process, and special education procedures.
• Exceptional interpersonal, active listening, and crisis de-escalation skills. Ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships with young children, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds. Proficient in using Student Information Systems, BTAM and SEL assessment tools.
• Student-centered, compassionate, patient, and equity-minded. Highly collaborative team member with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. Dedicated to ongoing professional growth and advocating for the whole child.