School Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of education, the role of school counselors has never been more crucial.

As the dynamics of education evolve, the demand for compassionate professionals who can guide, support, and foster student growth escalates.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of school counseling,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

School Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

School Counselors play a crucial role in the development of students, providing them with academic, career, college access/affordability/admission, and social-emotional competencies.

They interact with students to understand their mental and emotional needs and help them develop strategies to succeed in school and life.

School Counselors have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate students’ abilities and interests through aptitude assessments, interviews, and individual planning
• Identify issues that affect school performance, such as poor classroom attendance rates
• Help students understand and overcome social or behavioral problems through classroom guidance lessons and counseling
• Guide students through the process of making career decisions, by helping them explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents
• Work with students to develop skills, such as organizational and time management abilities, study habits, and effective note-taking techniques
• Counsel students on college choices and assist in the application process, including advising on admission requirements, financial aid applications, trade or vocational programs, and apprenticeships
• Consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students succeed
• Provide individual and group counseling sessions to address personal, social, and mental health needs
• Deliver crisis intervention and prevention programs on issues such as drug and alcohol abuse
• Regularly report to parents, teachers, and administrators about student’s progress and challenges
• Adhere to ethical and legal standards in school counseling

 

School Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated School Counselor to join our team.

The School Counselor will be responsible for providing a comprehensive counseling program for students in grades K-12, including academic, career, and personal/social development guidance.

This role includes conducting assessments, providing individual and group counseling, and implementing interventions as necessary.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of child development and proven experience in educational guidance.

 

Responsibilities

• Implement a comprehensive school counseling program that focuses on student outcomes, teaches student competencies, and is delivered through classroom lessons, small group, and individual consultation.
• Provide responsive services to individuals or groups on academic and personal issues.
• Provide crisis intervention and preventive care to help students overcome behavioral and social problems.
• Collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students.
• Monitor student academic performance, behavior, attendance, and facilitate appropriate interventions.
• Conduct guidance and counseling sessions to help students resolve personal, emotional, and social problems.
• Advocate for equal educational access and opportunity.
• Assist students with the development of academic and career plans.

 

Qualifications

• Masters in School Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
• State School Counseling Certification.
• Experience working in a school setting and counseling students.
• Knowledge of various counseling models, practices, and resources.
• Strong communication skills and high emotional intelligence.
• Experience with conflict resolution and crisis management.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Counselor
• Work Environment: The position requires a mix of direct student contact, small group, and classroom guidance activities, as well as indirect services through consultation and coordination with other staff and family members.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Principal or appointed School Administrator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 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 company. 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 Counselor Do?

School Counselors, also known as guidance counselors, play an essential role within the educational system.

They primarily work in public and private schools, ranging from elementary to high school level.

They help students develop the academic and social skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.

School counselors guide students through personal, social, educational and career challenges by offering supportive counseling and guidance services.

Their job includes providing one-on-one or group counseling to students facing various issues like bullying, truancy, or difficulties at home.

They also assist in conflict resolution and crisis intervention whenever necessary.

School counselors also guide students on academic plans, helping them set realistic goals and choosing classes that align with their future aspirations.

They play a vital role in the college application process by providing advice on college selection, application procedures, and financial aid options.

In addition, they often collaborate with teachers and parents to identify issues affecting a student’s performance and behavior and formulate strategies to address these problems.

School counselors may also conduct educational and vocational guidance workshops and seminars, and participate in developing and implementing school policies and programs that promote a positive learning environment.

 

School Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient School Counselor should possess the skills and qualifications that are essential for the role, such as:

• Interpersonal skills to connect, communicate and collaborate effectively with students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to help students overcome educational, personal, and social challenges.
• Understanding of child development and educational systems to tailor counseling strategies for individual students.
• Ability to respect and understand diverse cultural backgrounds, and handle sensitive situations with empathy and discretion.
• Strong listening and communication skills to accurately interpret student’s concerns and express professional guidance and advice.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, such as individual counseling sessions, group sessions, and academic planning.
• Knowledge of counseling theories and techniques, as well as familiarity with school laws and regulations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise judgement in dealing with sensitive information.

 

School Counselor Experience Requirements

School Counselors are typically required to have a Master’s degree in school counseling or a related field.

This often includes extensive internships or practicums that provide hands-on counseling experience in a school setting.

Entry-level school counselors are usually expected to have at least one to two years of experience working in a school environment, often obtained through internships or practicum work during their Master’s program.

They may also gain relevant experience in roles such as a Guidance Counselor Assistant or Student Services Coordinator.

Candidates with more than three years of experience have often honed their counseling skills and developed a deeper understanding of the educational system.

They may have worked in roles such as a Student Services Coordinator, Behavioral Intervention Specialist, or even as a Teacher.

Those with more than five years of experience are typically seasoned professionals who have had a significant impact on the academic, career, and personal development of students.

They may have leadership experience, having overseen programs or initiatives in their schools or districts, and may be ready for roles such as Lead School Counselor or School Counseling Program Coordinator.

Some schools or districts may require their school counselors to have advanced relevant experience, along with specific certification or licensure, depending on state regulations.

 

School Counselor Education and Training Requirements

School Counselors typically need a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field.

They must also have a state-issued certification or license.

These programs usually include coursework in topics such as psychology, sociology, ethics, and learning strategies.

Many also require students to complete internships or practicums in a school setting.

Most states require school counselors to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as education or psychology, and a master’s degree in school counseling.

Some states also require public school counselors to have a teaching certificate and a certain number of years of teaching experience.

After earning a master’s degree, aspiring school counselors typically must complete a period of fieldwork, often referred to as an internship or practicum, under the supervision of a licensed school counselor.

Continuing education is essential for school counselors.

Because their field is always developing, they must keep up with the latest research and techniques to best serve their students.

Some professionals choose to pursue a doctoral degree or specialist degree in counseling, although this is not required.

Lastly, many school counselors opt to obtain a national certification such as the National Certified Counselor (NCC), although not all states or employers require it.

This certification can show a counselor’s knowledge and dedication to the profession.

 

School Counselor Salary Expectations

The average salary for a School Counselor is $57,040 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can differ based on factors such as years of experience, advanced degrees or certifications, geographic location, and the specific institution in which they are employed.

 

School Counselor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a School Counselor need?

A School Counselor typically needs a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field.

They must also obtain the state-issued credential for school counseling, usually requiring an examination.

Some states may also require a period of supervised experience in a school setting before licensure.

 

What are the daily duties of a School Counselor?

On a typical day, a School Counselor may conduct individual or group counseling sessions, assist students with academic planning or college applications, and provide resources for students with special needs.

They may also meet with teachers or parents to discuss a student’s progress or behavioral issues and coordinate with outside agencies for additional student support as needed.

 

What qualities make a good School Counselor?

A good School Counselor is empathetic, approachable, and patient, as they often deal with students facing various personal and academic challenges.

They should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with students, parents, and school staff.

Additionally, they should have good problem-solving skills to help students navigate through their issues effectively.

 

What should you look for in a School Counselor resume?

A School Counselor’s resume should demonstrate a strong educational background, including a relevant master’s degree and any additional certifications.

Experience working with children or teenagers in a counseling or mentoring role is also important.

Look for evidence of skills like crisis management, behavior intervention, and development of student success strategies.

Additionally, any specific expertise in areas like special education or career counseling can be a valuable asset.

 

Are there different types of School Counselors?

Yes, School Counselors can specialize in different areas based on the age group they serve.

Elementary School Counselors focus on helping students develop basic life skills, while Middle School Counselors assist students through the challenging transitional period.

High School Counselors often work on career exploration, college application assistance, and the preparation for post-graduation life.

They may also specialize in areas like special education, substance abuse, or crisis management.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we have shed light on what it really means to be a school counselor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about providing guidance.

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

With our go-to school counselor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take a step forward.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precision-guided listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every guidance provided is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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