Bilingual DIS Counselor

Job SummaryThe primary responsibility of the DIS Counselor is to offer comprehensive counseling services tailored to meet the individualized needs of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans. This role requires a high degree of collaboration with school staff, parents, and community agencies to create and implement effective support strategies. The counselor will be working closely with students to address their behavioral, social, and emotional challenges, providing guidance and support to facilitate their overall well-being and academic success.Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following: Provide Counseling Services: Offer goal-focused counseling as part of IEPs or 504 Plans for students in grades K-12.Adherence to Standards: Follow the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and ethical standards set by the CTC for Pupil Personnel Services Credentials.Consultation: Work with school staff and parents to address the behavioral, social, and emotional needs of students, recommending appropriate support strategies.Community Collaboration: Collaborate with community agencies and refer students and families to appropriate resources as needed.IEP Management: Attend IEP meetings, report student progress, prepare IEP documents including present levels of performance, goals, recommendations for counseling services, and quarterly progress reports.Record and track service data after sessions with students.Classroom Observations: Conduct classroom observations to help determine student needs and recommend positive behavior support and/or modifications.Professional Conduct: Maintain professionalism in all communications with students, staff, and parents. Collaborate with teachers, staff, and external service providers to share best practices.Advocacy: Advocate for students with special needs in both the school and the community. Teach students to ask for academic support and mental health needs using verbal and written communication, assertive language, visuals, examples, and role-play scenarios.Safety and Conduct: Provide a safe learning environment and maintain high standards of student conduct.Self-Care: Practice self-care to sustain the demands of the role, ensuring a balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.QualificationsEducational Background: Bachelor's degree in counseling or a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or a licensed educational psychologist or licensed clinical social worker. Master's degree in School Counseling preferred Credentials: Clear PPS credential (Pupil Personnel Services)Technical Skills: Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Word, Google Suite, Nearpod (interactive lesson planning), Therapist Aide (resources & mental health lessons), Psychology Today (resources & articles), SEIS (IEP platform), and Welligent (IEP platform).Experience and Skills:Experience providing counseling in an urban educational environment.Mentally fit and capable of maintaining objectivityAbility to create SEL lesson plans aligned with student IEP/504 Plan goalsCompetent in report writing and responsive to feedbackAbility to disconnect personal issues from professional responsibilitiesCustomer service mindset and excellent communication skillsKnowledge of special education and 504 laws, policies, and procedures.Experience working with K-12 students exhibiting a diverse range of disabilities, encompassing autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), specific learning disabilities, and other health impairments (OHI).Experienced in utilizing Welligent and SEIS software programs.Physical and Cognitive Requirements:Capable of navigating stairs in an educational facilityAble to lift objects weighing up to 15 poundsPossesses strong communication skillsHear and speak to exchange information Dexterity of hands and fingers See to read a variety of materials Bend at the waist, kneel or crouch Sit or stand for extended periods of time Other Qualifications:Must have a laptop State and federal fingerprint clearance (LiveScan) to work with students (Ed. Code 44237).Proof of a clear TB Tine test or a signed Certificate of Completion dated within the last 60 days (Ed. Code 49406) upon employment and updated every four years thereafter.Hold and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, proof of automobile insurance, and full-time use of a dependable automobile that is insured pursuant to California regulations.