School Guidance Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s educational environment, the importance of school guidance counselors has never been more apparent.

As the world progresses, the demand for compassionate, knowledgeable professionals who can guide, nurture and safeguard our students’ academic and personal development continues to grow.

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

Whether you are:

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

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

School Guidance Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

School Guidance Counselors play a significant role in the education system.

They support the academic, personal/social, and career development of students.

They often serve as a liaison between students, parents, and school personnel to ensure that students are thriving and receiving the necessary support.

The daily duties and responsibilities of a School Guidance Counselor include:

• Evaluating students’ abilities and interests through assessments and interviews
• Developing academic and career goals with students
• Identifying issues that affect school performance, such as poor classroom attendance rates
• Providing individual and group counseling to students with various challenges
• Helping students understand and overcome social or behavioral problems through classroom guidance lessons and counseling
• Collaborating with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students succeed
• Providing crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools
• Referring students and parents to resources outside the school for additional support
• Maintaining accurate and confidential student records
• Assisting students with college and job application process
• Conducting workshops and classes on topics like bullying, drug abuse or college application process

 

School Guidance Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic School Guidance Counselor to support our students in their academic and personal development.

The Counselor will be responsible for guiding students in their academic goals, helping them develop socially, and assist in any mental health or personal issues.

The School Guidance Counselor should be well-versed in developmental psychology and have excellent interpersonal skills.

The ultimate goal is to help our students enhance their strengths, overcome their weaknesses and prepare for both academic and personal success.

 

Responsibilities

• Implement a comprehensive school counseling program
• Guide and counsel students through the development of educational and career plans
• Identify issues affecting students’ performance and address them appropriately
• Provide individual and group counselling sessions to address behavioral, academic, and other issues
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and school staff to promote student success
• Ensure all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed acadically and socially
• Identify and report possible cases of neglect, abuse, and learning disorders
• Conduct workshops and seminars on topics such as college application process, stress management, etc.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Guidance Counselor or similar role
• Demonstrated ability to respect and maintain confidentiality
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Sound judgement and emotional intelligence
• Understanding of the school’s policies and guidelines
• Experience with school administrative tasks
• Master’s degree in School Counseling, Psychology or related field
• Valid license to practice profession

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Guidance Counselor
• Work Environment: Public or private school setting. Some travel may be required for professional development workshops and seminars.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Principal or designated administrative personnel.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 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 Guidance Counselor Do?

School Guidance Counselors play a crucial role in educational institutions, assisting students across various age groups.

They work closely with teachers, school administrators, and parents to help students succeed academically and socially.

They provide students with academic guidance, help them set realistic academic goals, and develop plans to achieve them.

This includes advising on course selection, scheduling, and post-secondary options, such as college or vocational school.

School Guidance Counselors also address personal and social issues that students may face.

They may conduct individual and group counseling sessions to help students cope with problems such as bullying, peer pressure, family issues, or mental health concerns.

In addition to this, they often play a role in crisis intervention, stepping in when students face immediate problems or emergencies.

They may provide resources, referrals, and work with external professionals to ensure students receive the help they need.

Furthermore, they conduct assessments and use standardized tests to understand a student’s skills, interests, and aptitudes.

This information is useful in guiding students towards possible career paths and helping them understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Overall, a School Guidance Counselor’s role is multi-faceted, focused on helping students navigate their school years successfully and preparing them for life beyond school.

 

School Guidance Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient School Guidance Counselor should have the skills and qualifications that match with your job description, such as:

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with students, parents, and teachers.
• Strong empathy and understanding to perceive the feelings and perspectives of students, to promote emotional health and personal development.
• A high level of organization, to manage multiple case loads and keep detailed records of students’ progress and assessments.
• Crisis management skills to handle difficult situations such as bullying, child abuse, or mental health issues among students.
• A strong understanding of child psychology and development, to provide age-appropriate advice and support.
• Problem-solving skills to help students overcome academic and personal obstacles, and to develop realistic academic and career goals.
• Experience in planning and implementing career readiness programs, to guide students towards successful future careers.
• Knowledge of counseling theories and techniques, and the ability to apply these in a school setting.
• Adherence to ethical and legal standards in counseling, to maintain a safe and respectful environment for students.

 

School Guidance Counselor Experience Requirements

School Guidance Counselors typically require a Master’s degree in school counseling or a related field.

During their degree, they gain a considerable amount of theoretical and practical experience through coursework, internships, and practicums, which provide them with the necessary exposure to the counseling field.

Entry-level candidates often have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually gained through internships or part-time roles in schools, educational institutions, or community organizations where they work with children and adolescents.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their skills in areas such as student counseling, academic planning, conflict resolution, and crisis management.

They might have worked in roles such as School Social Worker, School Psychologist, or Youth Counselor, offering them a deeper understanding of student behaviors, needs, and challenges.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are usually considered seasoned professionals who have a comprehensive understanding of school policies, counseling techniques, and student development theories.

They may have some leadership experience and may be ready for roles such as Head Counselor or Guidance Department Director.

Some states may require school counselors to hold a state-issued credential, which often includes having completed a certain amount of supervised experience in a school setting.

Moreover, some roles may require school guidance counselors to have experience dealing with specific issues like substance abuse, family crises, or mental health issues.

 

School Guidance Counselor Education and Training Requirements

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

Before starting a master’s program, individuals must earn a bachelor’s degree, preferably in psychology, sociology, education, or a related field.

A master’s program in school counseling will provide training in identifying and addressing the academic, social, and developmental needs of school-age children and adolescents.

Most states require school guidance counselors to be licensed or certified, which often involves completing a certain amount of supervised experience, passing a state-recognized exam, and participating in ongoing education.

In addition to these educational requirements, school guidance counselors need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they will be interacting with students, parents, and school staff on a regular basis.

Some school guidance counselors may also choose to obtain additional certifications from organizations such as the National Board for Certified Counselors or the American School Counselor Association to enhance their credentials and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

Such certifications may require additional coursework, exams, or supervised practice.

Continued professional development is also important for keeping up with new counseling techniques and education policies.

 

School Guidance Counselor Salary Expectations

A School Guidance Counselor can expect to earn an average salary of $57,040 (USD) per year.

This salary can differ greatly depending on factors such as level of experience, educational qualifications, and the location of the school.

 

School Guidance Counselor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a School Guidance Counselor need?

A School Guidance Counselor should have strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with students, parents, and staff.

They should have excellent problem-solving abilities to help students overcome various issues.

A good understanding of child psychology and development, and the ability to empathize and show compassion are also critical.

Being organized and having the ability to keep detailed records is also important.

 

Do School Guidance Counselors need a degree?

Yes, School Guidance Counselors typically require a Master’s degree in School Counseling or a related field.

Most states also require School Guidance Counselors to be licensed, which often involves additional coursework and a certain amount of supervised experience.

 

What should you look for in a School Guidance Counselor resume?

Look for a Master’s degree in School Counseling or a related field, and check for a state-issued license.

Experience in counseling, particularly in a school setting, is a big plus.

Additional training or certifications in specific areas, like trauma counseling or career guidance, can also be beneficial.

Look for evidence of strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

 

What qualities make a good School Guidance Counselor?

A good School Guidance Counselor should be empathetic and patient, as they often deal with students facing challenging situations.

They should be approachable and trustworthy, to encourage students to open up about their issues.

A strong commitment to confidentiality is essential.

They should also be proactive in identifying potential issues and implementing preventive measures.

 

What are the daily duties of a School Guidance Counselor?

On a typical day, a School Guidance Counselor may meet with students individually or in groups to discuss their academic progress, personal issues, or career aspirations.

They may also work with teachers or parents to develop strategies to help students succeed.

Some of their time may be spent on administrative tasks, like maintaining student records or coordinating with outside agencies.

They may also conduct workshops or presentations on topics like college application processes or stress management techniques.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified the true essence of being a school guidance counselor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about counseling students.

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

With our handy school guidance counselor job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every student is a part of a bigger vision.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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