COUNSELOR
Tumwater Middle School

1.0 FTE; Continuing
2026-2027 School Year
RATE OF PAY: $63,438 - $112,732 (26-27 Salary TBD)
Benefit Information

This position will remain open until filled. Tumwater School District reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening after 4 PM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. It is in the applicant's best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

TITLE: SCHOOL COUNSELOR

The job description is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The School Counselor is a certified educator who designs and implements a comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model and Tumwater School District expectations. The counselor delivers services in the academic, career, and social/emotional domains, provides school-wide SEL instruction, facilitates short-term individual and small-group counseling, and partners with staff, families, and community to support student achievement, equity, and positive behavior. The counselor is a vital member of our PBIS and multi-tiered systems of support teams, coordinates Section 504, helps organize Smarter Balanced testing, and mentor's 5th-grade student leaders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Washington State ESA Certificate in School Counseling (required)
• Criminal justice fingerprint clearance
• Knowledge of personal, social/emotional, and career development counseling, PBIS, MTSS, trauma-informed, and restorative practices
• Experience or training in supporting students with autism and related disabilities and diverse learner needs
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with students, families, staff, and community partners
• Proficiency in assessment tools, data-driven decision making, and development of 504 plans
• Capacity to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive counseling practices

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES (ASCA Alignment):
Define - Uphold ASCA Ethical Standards; promote equitable access and success; maintain confidentiality.
Deliver - Provide direct student services (individual/group counseling; classroom guidance); deliver indirect services (consultation, collaboration, referrals); facilitate short-term interventions; assist with transitions and post-secondary planning.
Manage - Design and manage a comprehensive program using data; collaborate on master schedule and student placement; coordinate interventions, referrals, and Section 504 plans; document services.
Assess - Use data to evaluate program effectiveness; analyze attendance, behavior, and achievement to close equity gaps; maintain accurate records and legally compliant documentation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Deliver proactive, developmentally appropriate SEL/classroom guidance lessons (emotion regulation, friendship skills, conflict resolution, self-advocacy).
• Provide short-term individual & group counseling using evidence-based practices for social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Respond to crises with trauma-informed intervention; participate on school safety and wellness teams.
• Collaborate with the PBIS team to implement Tier 1 expectations, recognition systems, and contribute to Tier 2/3 planning.
• Support staff with behavior plans, de-escalation strategies, and maintain CPI or comparable training.
• Coordinate Section 504: case management, meetings, accommodations, compliance documentation.
• Assist with registration, student scheduling, academic planning, and Smarter Balanced testing logistics and staff training.
• Facilitate development (peer mentoring, service roles, character-building activities).
• Coordinate resources with families, community agencies, and outside service providers to remove barriers to learning.
• Promote restorative practices through class meetings, restorative circles, and conflict mediation.
• Collect, analyze, and present attendance, behavior, and achievement data; monitor student progress and adjust supports.
• Support students with disabilities through transition planning and vocational readiness.
• Maintain professional growth through ongoing education and district training.
• Actively engage in professional learning communities and school leadership initiatives.
• Supervise students during school-sponsored activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or district leadership.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Principal/Designee
SCHEDULE: Tumwater School District Calendar
SALARY: Tumwater School District Certificated Salary Schedule
CONTACT: Human Resources - 360-709-7020