Elementary School Counselor

Position Overview

This role entails developing, managing, and implementing an all-encompassing guidance and counseling program aimed at supporting the DoDEA educational initiatives and promoting student well-being. The counselor will offer advice and support to students, educators, and parents on academic progress, career options, behavioral issues, personal and social growth as part of preventive and corrective efforts. The position also includes assisting students with course selection and schedules, investigating reasons behind academic or social challenges through interviews and assessments, and undertaking additional duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee a comprehensive guidance program aligned with DoDEA's educational goals to enhance student welfare.
• Provide counseling and information related to academic, career, behavior, and social development to students, staff, and parents as part of intervention strategies.
• Support students in course selection and scheduling processes.
• Conduct interviews, diagnostics, and consult stakeholders to identify issues impacting educational progress for individual students.
• Fulfill other responsibilities as directed by the administration.

Qualifications and Employment Conditions

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the following employment conditions: completion of Pre-Employment Certification for Selective Service for relevant males, proof of citizenship, direct deposit for salary, and possibly a two-year trial period. Employment is contingent upon a suitability check, including a Tier 1 investigation with childcare clearances due to interactions with minor children. Signing transportation and mobility agreements may be required, along with readiness to relocate worldwide within DoWEA locations. Compliance with DoDI 1400.25 V1230 regulations regarding foreign employment is mandatory.

Applicants must hold a valid full teaching license or equivalent in the content area, or meet alternative qualifications such as passing Praxis exams or having seven years of PreK-12 teaching experience. For certification as an elementary guidance counselor, a Master's degree in school counseling or education with a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours in PreK-12 counseling is required; a National Certified School Counselor credential may substitute.

Minimum education includes a bachelor's degree accredited by a regional association, with at least 40 semester hours in general education (including subjects like English, history, math, sciences, etc.) and 18 semester hours in teacher education courses pertinent to the position.

Student teaching or internship as part of an approved teacher education program is necessary unless the applicant has one year of full-time educational work experience. Some exceptions apply for certain specialized roles.

Foreign Education Evaluation

• Foreign degrees must be evaluated by recognized organizations or endorsed lists from accredited U.S. universities or state departments.
• Non-accredited institution graduates can validate their undergraduate work through graduate admissions and credits.

Additional Information

• Applicants must reside within the local commuting vicinity of the job location, defined by reasonable daily travel expectations.
• Compliance with the Exceptional Family Member Program is required.
• Applicants cannot be Ordinarily Resident in the host country under SOFA guidelines.
• Applicants with family members requiring specialized medical care should consider local medical service availability, as military treatment facilities are limited and host nation care varies.
• Medical and dental services in foreign locations may require out-of-pocket expenses and may also be obtained from host nation providers with variable care standards.
• Laws or international agreements may affect benefits eligibility for same-sex domestic partners or spouses in foreign countries.
• Applicants needing accommodations during the hiring process should contact the designated agency representative.
• This role is part of the Federal Education Association bargaining unit and includes a two-year probationary period to assess employment suitability and continued contribution.
• Applicants should be dedicated to federal service principles, uphold the U.S. Constitution, and strive to improve government efficiency.
• The position includes a comprehensive federal benefits package, with eligibility depending on employment status and specifics.