Job Information
Johnston Community School District Elementary School Counselor 2025-26 in Johnston, Iowa
Position Criteria:
Master’s degree and Iowa license with Professional School Counselor K-8 endorsement
Strong interpersonal skills
Previous teaching experience, preferred
Student-centered philosophy
Strong communication skills - verbal & written
Strong administrative/management skills
Performance Responsibilities
Personal Performance Criteria
Works well with others, maintaining positive and effective communication with school personnel and students
Contributes to creating a positive work environment
Demonstrates integrity and respects confidentiality
Arrives on time and works consistently until the end of his/her scheduled day
Takes advantage of professional growth opportunities related to his/her specific job
Works independently and with confidence
Demonstrates ability to grasp and adjust to new and changing situations
Demonstrates initiative and ability to work without close supervision
Professional Performance Criteria
Personal Qualifications
Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations and works cooperatively with students, parents and staff
Project a positive image as an educator in the school and in the community - Promotes a positive image of the Johnston Schools respects differing points of view
Demonstrates an understanding and acceptance of diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, special needs and religious groups
Uses discretion in handling confidential information and situations
Actively supports expectations of student behavior outside of the classroom during the school day
Demonstrates a positive attitude and manages stress in a constructive manner
Guidance/Counseling Process
Demonstrates the ability to help students make appropriate educational plans/life choices.
Maintains and uses sources of information to guide students.
Displays ability to help students see options, implications, consequences, and set goals.
Knows and uses suitable resource materials, procedures, and models.
Utilizes a variety of counseling skills, activities, and resources in meeting the needs of students.
Develops objectives and conducts activities which are clear, meaningful, and consistent with student needs and building and district goals (parent conferences, staffings, teacher conferences, school orientation, job placement, group guidance).
Exhibits mastery of counseling skills.
Demonstrates good interpersonal skills (relationship with students, staff, administration, and parents).
Uses time effectively.
Provides input in curriculum improvement.
Practices good listening skills (non-judgmental, empathic, understanding).
Utilizes appropriate assessment activities.
Knowledgeable of use of and interpretation of information and/or data.
Responsive Services/System Support
Expresses concern for students regardless of cultural, academic, intellectual, emotional needs.
Demonstrates understanding and acceptance of differences among individuals and groups, (i.e., racial, ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, religious and handicaps.)
Displays nonsexist/multicultural attitudes.
Provides constructive strategies to students.
Demonstrates sensitivity in communicating and working with staff.
Works courteously and cooperatively with school personnel.
Recognizes the need for and participates in teamwork for the improvement of instruction.
Demonstrates willingness to share methods, materials, and ideas with co-workers.
Provides constructive criticism to administrators and accepts it from them.
Keeps administration informed of pertinent situations.
Communicates with and informs parents concerning guidance and counseling services.
Provides a climate which promotes effective communication with parents.
Cooperates with parents in the best interest of students.
Demonstrates professionalism and professional growth.
Establishes goals and initiates activities aimed at professional growth and development.
Attends professional meetings (i.e., counselor’s meetings, faculty meetings, conferences, staffings, in-service) promptly and courteously.
Maintains positive student/counselor rapport through understanding an acceptance of individual worth of student.
Treats students in a manner which reflects an awareness of their developmental and emotional characteristics.
Displays empathy and understanding when counseling students.
Maintains professional confidentiality.
Provides availability to meet with students, staff, and parents.
Professional Responsibilities
Demonstrates a commitment to professional growth
Keeps current with appropriate teaching content and instructional techniques and strategies (e.g. participation in professional organizations, workshops, conferences, including the development of technology skills)
Applies knowledge gained through professional growth to the classroom
Contributes and participates in a positive manner to building and district professional growth opportunities
Works collegially to select and implement building and district goals
Remains informed on building and district policies and works cooperatively toward their implementation
Participates, when appropriate, in curriculum development and building/district assignments
Provides requested data in a timely and accurate manner
Meets responsibilities beyond the school day related to school functions
Maintains a professional appearance appropriate to job responsibilities
Assumes leadership roles (committee participation, department chairs, curriculum review, etc.
Terms of Employment: 194-day contract
Non-discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Johnston Community School District not to illegally discriminate on
the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for
employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and
socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment
practices.
There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have
questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the Director of Human
Resources, 6510 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa 50131, (515) 278-0470.
Primary Location WALLACE
Salary Range $50,421.00 - $90,246.00 / Per Year
Shift Type Full-Time