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Elementary school counselor vs program counselor

The differences between elementary school counselors and program counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a program counselor has an average salary of $43,820, which is higher than the $34,984 average annual salary of an elementary school counselor.

The top three skills for an elementary school counselor include social work, professional development and crisis intervention. The most important skills for a program counselor are developmental disabilities, patients, and community integration.

Elementary school counselor vs program counselor overview

Elementary School CounselorProgram Counselor
Yearly salary$34,984$43,820
Hourly rate$16.82$21.07
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs92,184133,491
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4241
Years of experience-4

What does an elementary school counselor do?

An elementary school counselor is primarily in charge of providing support and counseling to students as they navigate through their academic, social, and personal lives. Their responsibilities typically revolve around developing and executing programs for students' welfare, conducting student evaluations and interviews, mediating on various issues, and assisting students in preparing and processing scholarship applications. Furthermore, there are instances when an elementary school counselor must refer students and parents to social services and conduct interventions when necessary. Should there be any signs of abuse or neglect, It is essential to report to the authorities right away.

What does a program counselor do?

A Program Counselor is an essential part of a school's faculty. It's the counselor's responsibility to ensure that students are benefiting from the school's educational curriculum. This person is also tasked to help students resolve issues and problems that may hinder any educational progress. They are also part of the disciplinary team intended to instill good morals, ethics, and decency in students. The Program Counselor is one of the teacher or professor who has expertise or has a high educational degree in a particular subject or field.

Elementary school counselor vs program counselor salary

Elementary school counselors and program counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Elementary School CounselorProgram Counselor
Average salary$34,984$43,820
Salary rangeBetween $18,000 And $64,000Between $33,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityDaly City, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companySuccess Academy Charter SchoolsRussell Sage College
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between elementary school counselor and program counselor education

There are a few differences between an elementary school counselor and a program counselor in terms of educational background:

Elementary School CounselorProgram Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Elementary school counselor vs program counselor demographics

Here are the differences between elementary school counselors' and program counselors' demographics:

Elementary School CounselorProgram Counselor
Average age4241
Gender ratioMale, 25.0% Female, 75.0%Male, 35.9% Female, 64.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%15%

Differences between elementary school counselor and program counselor duties and responsibilities

Elementary school counselor example responsibilities.

  • Select to serve as the tier 2 PBIS coach and serve on district PBIS tier 1 team.
  • Train entire staff on PBIS theories, data and methodology.
  • Prepare and present Microsoft PowerPoint presentation on treating the grief and loss issues of incarcerate students.
  • Prepare and deliver PowerPoint presentations.
  • Serve as administrative representative for IEP meetings.
  • Participate and collaborate with administrators about RTI design and implementation.
  • Show more

Program counselor example responsibilities.

  • Lead recreational activities for adolescents with ADHD and other behavior disorders.
  • Provide education, within hospital setting, to adolescent psychiatric patients regarding substance abuse and dependency issues.
  • Receive CPR and first aid certifications.
  • Attend and receive CPR and basic restraint technique certifications.
  • Assist each client with compassion to encourage them on their journey to recovery.
  • Encourage and mentore residents during their recovery and rehabilitation process.
  • Show more

Elementary school counselor vs program counselor skills

Common elementary school counselor skills
  • Social Work, 14%
  • Professional Development, 9%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Math, 7%
  • Community Resources, 6%
  • Kids, 5%
Common program counselor skills
  • Developmental Disabilities, 11%
  • Patients, 11%
  • Community Integration, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Social Work, 8%
  • Medication Administration, 7%

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