School Counselor

School Counselor

Primary Hall Preparatory Charter School

2408 Main Street

Buffalo , NY 14214

Certified - Area - Other

Job Number 3300054981

Start Date

Open Date 03/17/2026

Closing Date 06/30/2026

Job Description

Primary Hall Preparatory Charter School (PHPCS) was founded to provide the students and families on the East Side of Buffalo access to quality education. At the core of our mission is the inclusion of individualized support for all students. Our school provides tailored foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and character development that will equip all of our students for academic and personal success throughout their educational careers and beyond.

Job Summary

A School Counselor with Primary Hall provides a comprehensive developmental school counseling program that supports the academic achievement, social-emotional development, and personal growth of students in grades Pre-K through 5. The counselor collaborates with administrators, teachers, families, and support staff to promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment and to address barriers to student success. Responsibilities include providing individual and small-group counseling, delivering classroom guidance lessons, and assisting students experiencing academic, behavioral, or social-emotional challenges. The counselor uses data-informed practices to identify student needs and support appropriate interventions. Counseling services are delivered in alignment with the standards established by the New York State Education Department. The counselor also maintains appropriate documentation, confidentiality, and professional standards while supporting the overall mission of the school district.

Every effort has been made to ensure there is a complete job description. However, this document in no way implies that these responsibilities are the only duties you may be required to perform. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position, especially where the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for the role. Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate. All employment decisions are based upon qualifications, merit, and business need.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Essential Job Functions

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to address social, emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns.

• Assist students in developing conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and decision-making skills.

• Identify students experiencing personal, family, or academic challenges and connect them with appropriate supports.

• Plan and implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with guidelines from the New York State Education Department.

• Deliver classroom guidance lessons on topics such as bullying prevention, emotional intelligence, and goal setting.

• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other members of staff to support student needs during instructional hours.

• Adapt methods to accommodate students with varying behavioral issues, skill levels, and backgrounds.

• Provide for the care and protection of school property.

• Participate in student support meetings and assist in developing intervention strategies.

• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding student progress and concerns.

• Respond to student crises including behavioral incidents, trauma, or emotional distress.

• Provide counseling and coordinate referrals to outside mental health or community services when necessary.

• Stay current with the latest trends and best practices in educational counseling.

• Collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and parents to plan, implement, and monitor support efforts and progress.

• Monitor and encourage individual student progress.

• Maintain accurate student records and documentation in accordance with district policies and FERPA guidelines.

• Monitor and analyze student data to support counseling interventions and program improvement.

• Assist with school-wide initiatives related to attendance, behavior, and student engagement, etc.

• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities and Requirements

• Commitment to, belief in, and alignment with the mission of our school, our school's goals and educational philosophy, and commitment to our students, staff, and families.

• Communicate well with others and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with students, parents, colleagues, and community members.

• Stay current with trends, techniques, and developments in education counseling.

• Possess a strong growth mindset, with a willingness to take personal responsibility.

• Able to internalize and apply feedback with immediacy, dedication to effectiveness and excellence.

• Remain calm under pressure.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Superior interpersonal skills with persons of all ages and across diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to work well with a variety of other personalities.

• Must be willing to work outside of traditional office hours if necessary or required as the role requires some attention to Counseling at school events outside of business hours.

• Unwavering high expectations for all students.

Qualifications, Education, and Experience

• Minimum requirement of a Masters's degree at the time of employment (minimum average GPA of 2.75)

• Valid New York State Counselor Certification or licensure issued by the New York State Education Department.

• 2 years counseling in an urban public school (traditional or charter) preferred but not required

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work with elementary students of different ages and varying target behaviors

• Familiarity with trauma-informed practices and social emotional learning programs

• Patience, enthusiasm, and a passion for music education.

Working Conditions

Classroom and Office setting, the noise level in the work environment(s) varies.

Cognitive and Physical Demands

• Daily/consistent: Standing, sitting, computer work, screen time, keyboarding, typing, wrist flexing/extension, and other repetitive movements and lifting (up to 20 pounds).

• Daily/consistent: Use of professional judgement in alignment with Primary Hall values and policies, ability to communicate effectively verbally and written, and to complete projects with minimal assistance and supervision.

Commitment to Diversity

Primary Hall Preparatory Charter School is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory working and learning environment. PHPCS does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ability, veteran status, or personal characteristic protected by applicable law.

Employment Contract Information

The position of School Counselor will require a 12-month Employment Contract entered into between Primary Hall Preparatory Charter School (PHPCS) (Employer) and the (Employee) hired for the position of School Counselor . The (Employee) will receive a written contract at the start of their employment which will contain the terms and conditions of this role.

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Job Attachment View Attachment

Salary: From 65000.00

Salary: To 75000.00

Salary Competitive Y

Appointment Status Annual Contract

Position Status Full time

Start Date 07/01/2026

Required Certification Type School Counselor {2030}

Specialized Training Working With Children, TCI - Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Response To Intervention (RTI)

Technology Literacy Experience Using Technology As An Instructional Tool, Excel, Promethean Boards and Smart Boards, Microsoft Office

Additional Job Information

This school serves students UPK-Grade 5.

Contact Person's Name Arielle Peterson

Contact Person's Title Executive Director

Contact Person's Phone 7165974373

Contact Person's Email [email protected]