Guiding the School Counselor: An Overview of Roles and Responsibilities (Archived)
Wrap Up
This module has covered some important materials about how school counselors can ensure the success of students with disabilities. Click on the link below to view a movie that summarizes what you’ve learned (time: 1:45).
Transcript: Wrap Up
Let’s quickly review the five major roles and responsibilities of school counselors that help support students with disabilities:
- Participate in multidisciplinary teams
- Assist with behavior modification
- Offer group and individual counseling
- Participate in transition planning
- Make referrals to other professionals
School counselors are key contributors to multidisciplinary teams because of their expertise in child and adolescent development and experience in general career planning. Second, school counselors may help with behavior modification. A third responsibility is to either provide group- or individual-counseling interventions. Fourth, school counselors may actively participate in transition planning—again because of their general career training—to ensure the success of students with disabilities. Finally, school counselors should always make referrals to other professionals when they cannot provide the expertise needed by their students. Because they are sometimes asked to perform jobs that are better carried out by others, school counselors must practice self-advocacy through strategies that will help reduce inappropriate requests. To maintain professional development, school counselors should participate in continuing education and should enroll in professional organizations as required by their individual states. In conclusion, having a clear understanding of these different roles will help school counselors ensure the success of their students who have disabilities.
Revisiting Initial Thoughts
Think back to your responses to the Initial Thoughts questions at the beginning of this module. After working through the Perspectives & Resources, do you still agree with those responses? If not, what aspects about them would you change?
How can Mr. Hunter effectively manage his school counseling responsibilities?
What are the roles and responsibilities of school counselors when working with students with disabilities?
How can school counselors keep up with all of their responsibilities and also remain current?
When you are ready, proceed to the Assessment section.
