School Counselor
A school counselor provides guidance and support to students regarding academic, career, and personal or social challenges.
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Sample Job Descriptions for School Counselor
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a School Counselor, you will foster a safe and supportive environment in which students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. You will work closely with students to help them navigate through challenges, provide guidance on educational and career goals, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and administration to create a positive school culture.
Required Skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Empathetic and approachable demeanor.
- Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and professionalism.
- Organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proficient in using technology for record-keeping and communication.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in School Counseling, Education, Psychology, or a related field.
- State licensure or certification in school counseling where required.
- Understanding of child and adolescent development.
- Knowledge of counseling theories, methods, and ethics.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
Responsibilities
- Provide individual and group counseling services to students regarding academic, social, and emotional issues.
- Implement developmentally appropriate counseling programs to enhance student success.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and administrators to address students' educational and personal development needs.
- Assist in creating strategies to prevent and intervene in issues affecting student wellness and achievement.
- Maintain confidentiality of student records and counseling sessions.
- Monitor and report on student progress and outcomes.
- Participate in professional development opportunities to stay abreast of current trends and best practices in the field.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The School Counselor will work closely with students to help them achieve their personal, social, and academic goals. The candidate will act as a resource for students, providing them with guidance, support, and interventions as needed. This role requires a compassionate professional with a strong understanding of the developmental challenges and educational pathways of youth.
Required Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills.
- Proficient in the use of technology and educational software.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws pertaining to education and child welfare.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in school counseling, psychology, or a related field.
- Valid state certification/licensure in school counseling.
- Experience working with children or adolescents in an educational or counseling setting.
- Demonstrated ability to design and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs.
- Strong understanding of the developmental stages of children and adolescents.
- Ability to manage confidential information sensitively and discreetly.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive counseling programs that address the needs of all students.
- Provide individual and group counseling to students on various topics including academic performance, social skills, and career planning.
- Respond to students' emotional or behavioral issues and provide appropriate interventions.
- Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administration to promote a healthy school environment.
- Conduct assessments to identify students' needs and monitor their progress.
- Develop and maintain relationships with external resources and agencies to support students' well-being.
- Advocate for students and assist with conflict resolution and peer mediation.
- Organize and facilitate workshops for students, parents, and staff on topics related to student health and development.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Senior School Counselor, you will oversee the provision of personalized counseling services to students, facilitating their academic, career, and personal/social development. Working collaboratively with educators, parents, and the community, you will help create a nurturing environment that promotes student growth and success.
Required Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong counseling and crisis management abilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively with school staff, students, and families.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Proficient in using data to inform counseling strategies and program development.
- Adaptability and cultural competency to serve a diverse student body.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in School Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
- Valid state certification/licensure in school counseling.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a school counseling role.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement comprehensive school counseling programs.
- Experience working with diverse student populations and addressing a wide range of issues.
- Strong understanding of educational systems, student learning styles, and special education.
- Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to education and student privacy.
Responsibilities
- Provide individual and group counseling to students regarding personal, academic, and career issues.
- Design and implement comprehensive school counseling programs that address the needs of all students.
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to support student success and address any behavioral or academic concerns.
- Develop and coordinate interventions for at-risk students and monitor their progress.
- Lead professional development workshops for school staff on student mental health and wellness.
- Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and develop strategies to assist students with special needs.
- Manage crisis intervention efforts and provide support during emergencies.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and make recommendations for improvements.
- Serve as a student advocate to promote a positive school culture.
- Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in school counseling.
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