I currently work in a split position shared between two elementary buildings. Both buildings have 1.5 school counselors and I am the .5 in both buildings. I am in charge of running small groups in both buildings. One building has mentioned they are willing to be flexible with my role, but not the other. I did not realize how hard this position would be. I miss all the pieces of a comprehensive counseling program. I used to love running small groups, but it was always within the balance of classroom lessons, individual counseling, and collaboration and education of staff. In my district there are 4 or 5 school counselors in a position like mine. Each of them is similar to mine with the split position running small groups. I am currently applying for the 2 open positions in my district that would be only in one building, but I may still be in this position next year. My question for this group is, how do I advocate for a more balanced role? In my head with k-5 buildings, it would make sense to split by grade level. Full time counselor getting 4 grades and part time taking 2. I believe if I had two grade levels at both schools I could get to know all of those students and teachers much better and be better able to support individual and small group counseling needs. I just think it would be a better mix. I feel like whether I stay in this position or move on with a full time/one building position, it would be worth advocating for this change to retain our part time counselors and offer better student support. Any other ideas for advocating for this change?

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