School Counseling Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving educational landscape, the role of school counseling assistants has become more crucial than ever.

Education progresses, and with each advancement, the demand for dedicated individuals who can support, inspire, and secure our educational systems amplifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a school counseling assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager detailing out the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of school counseling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable school counseling assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

School Counseling Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

School Counseling Assistants support the lead counselor in providing academic, emotional, and personal support to students.

They assist in implementing comprehensive school counseling programs that promote student success.

The duties and responsibilities of School Counseling Assistants include:

• Assisting the School Counselor in implementing school-wide counseling programs
• Supporting students in areas of personal, academic, and social development
• Coordinating with teachers, parents, and other school staff to identify students who may need counseling services
• Helping with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining student records
• Assisting in the preparation and delivery of group or individual counseling sessions
• Monitoring student progress and reporting concerns or changes to the School Counselor
• Assisting in the facilitation of parent-teacher-student conferences
• Helping in the organization of college and career readiness activities
• Supporting the School Counselor in crisis situations and providing interventions as needed
• Participating in professional development programs to improve skills and stay updated on counseling techniques and standards

 

School Counseling Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated School Counseling Assistant to support our school counselor in implementing comprehensive programs that attend to the social, emotional, and developmental needs of students.

School Counseling Assistant responsibilities include assisting with assessments, maintaining student records, and participating in the development of individualized student plans.

Our ideal candidate is familiar with various counseling techniques and has a deep understanding of child and adolescent development.

Ultimately, the role of the School Counseling Assistant is to provide assistance to the school counselor and help create a supportive and inclusive school environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Support the School Counselor in implementing counseling programs
• Assist in maintaining student records and documenting student progress
• Assist in the development of individualized student plans
• Support the School Counselor in providing interventions and classroom guidance
• Assist with the coordination of school-wide events related to counseling programs
• Participate in parent-teacher meetings
• Conduct research on the effectiveness of counseling programs
• Assist in the coordination of community resources to support students and families
• Adhere to professional and ethical guidelines as outlined by state and national organizations

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a School Counseling Assistant or similar role
• Experience working with children and adolescents
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Counseling Assistant
• Work Environment: School setting. Some travel may be required for professional development or student outings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Counselor and/or School Principal.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School Counseling Assistant Do?

School Counseling Assistants are crucial to the educational team in a school setting.

They work closely with School Counselors to provide support for students across a variety of areas.

Their primary role is to assist in the counseling services provided to students.

This could include conducting initial assessments of students’ needs, helping to implement individual or group counseling sessions, and monitoring students’ progress.

School Counseling Assistants also play a significant role in the development and implementation of programs aimed at improving student wellbeing and academic success.

They may help to create resources and materials for these programs, organize workshops or presentations, and manage the logistics of these initiatives.

In addition to their direct work with students, School Counseling Assistants also often handle administrative tasks.

This could include scheduling appointments, maintaining student records, and liaising with teachers and parents.

They may also assist in crisis intervention situations, helping to provide immediate support to students in distress, under the guidance of the School Counselor.

A School Counseling Assistant’s role is diverse and dynamic, requiring a range of skills including communication, empathy, organization, and a deep understanding of student needs and challenges.

 

School Counseling Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient School Counseling Assistant should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the needs of the school and students, such as:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with students, parents, and school staff, creating a conducive environment for dialogue and understanding.
• Knowledge of counseling theories and practices to provide necessary support to the school counselor in implementing effective intervention strategies.
• Strong organizational skills to manage and prioritize various tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and coordinating counseling activities.
• Ability to empathize and build trust with students, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment where students feel free to express their concerns.
• Proficiency in problem-solving and critical thinking to help identify issues affecting students and assist in the development of appropriate solutions.
• Understanding of child and adolescent development, learning processes, and educational systems to better serve the needs of the students.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in dealing with sensitive student issues.
• Basic knowledge of educational laws and regulations, particularly those related to student rights and privacy.

 

School Counseling Assistant Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the School Counseling Assistant role are typically required to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field, often gained through internships or part-time roles in educational or counseling settings.

They could have had roles such as a paraprofessional educator, academic coach, or youth counselor where they have gained experience working with students and understanding their academic and emotional needs.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often develop their skills and knowledge in entry-level counseling or educational roles, or perhaps through relevant graduate studies.

They should have experience in providing support to school counselors, helping in the development of students’ academic and personal success plans, and providing mentoring or counseling to students as needed.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a deeper understanding of counseling theory and practice.

They might have some leadership experience, such as leading group sessions or workshops, and are usually more prepared to handle crises or complex situations in a school setting.

In addition to these, some employers might prefer candidates who have specific experience or training in working with certain student populations, such as special needs students, or in certain counseling areas, such as career or substance abuse counseling.

 

School Counseling Assistant Education and Training Requirements

A School Counseling Assistant typically requires a minimum of an associate’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.

They should have a foundational understanding of counseling principles and practices, and be able to effectively communicate with students, parents, and school staff.

In some cases, a bachelor’s degree may be preferred.

Coursework in child development, educational psychology, and student counseling can be particularly beneficial.

School Counseling Assistants may also need to meet state-specific certification requirements, which may involve passing an exam and undergoing a background check.

Experience in a school or educational setting, particularly with children and adolescents, can be advantageous.

While not always required, certifications in areas such as mental health first aid, conflict resolution, or crisis intervention can enhance a School Counseling Assistant’s skills and employability.

Continuing education and professional development are essential in this role, given the evolving best practices in school counseling and the unique and changing challenges students face.

 

School Counseling Assistant Salary Expectations

A School Counseling Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $37,520 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as level of experience, education, the school district, and geographic location.

 

School Counseling Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a School Counseling Assistant need?

School Counseling Assistants need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, parents, and school staff.

They should also possess strong organizational skills to manage paperwork and schedule appointments.

Additionally, they should have a good understanding of child development and be patient, empathetic, and able to maintain confidentiality.

 

Do School Counseling Assistants need a degree?

School Counseling Assistants typically need at least an associate’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.

Some schools might require a bachelor’s degree or experience working with children.

Voluntary certifications like the Certified School Counselor (CSC) certification can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a School Counseling Assistant resume?

Look for evidence of experience or education in counseling, psychology, or social work, as these are crucial for a School Counseling Assistant role.

Practical experience working with children, such as in a school, youth group, or summer camp, is also highly valuable.

Additionally, skills such as interpersonal communication, organization, and empathy should be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good School Counseling Assistant?

A good School Counseling Assistant is compassionate, patient, and understanding, as they often deal with students facing difficult situations.

They should be excellent communicators, able to explain complex topics in a way children can understand.

Confidentiality is also crucial in this role, as they will deal with sensitive information.

Finally, they should be organized and efficient to manage their workload effectively.

 

What are the daily duties of a School Counseling Assistant?

On a typical day, a School Counseling Assistant might schedule appointments, maintain student records, assist in developing student academic plans, and provide support during counseling sessions.

They might also help with conflict resolution and crisis intervention under the guidance of a licensed counselor.

Additionally, they may assist in organizing and running workshops and awareness programs on topics relevant to student welfare.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an insider’s look into what it truly means to be a school counseling assistant.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about scheduling appointments.

It’s about molding the future, one student at a time.

With our comprehensive school counseling assistant job description template and genuine examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every student interaction contributes to a larger goal.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a School Counseling Assistant (Complete Guide)

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