School Counselor

Counselor - Hughes Elementary School Mesa USD 4 Hughes Elementary - Mesa, Arizona Job Details Job ID: 5830465 Application Deadline: Sep 13, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time) Posted: Jul 13, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC) Starting Date: Immediately Job Description Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years. Employment Type: Full-time Base Salary: $55,886.00 Calendar: Certified Exempt, 187 workdays Benefits: Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance Performance Pay: Available annually New Hire Experience: $500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience New Hire Education: $65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max, MA +60 hours max; $1000 for advanced degrees Job Summary The position of school counselor prepares all students for high school graduation and success through direct and indirect student services. The position is responsible for leadership, advocacy, and collaboration within and without the school to implement a preventative, proactive school counseling program, using the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model (2012). The position will promote student success through a comprehensive school counseling program which addresses academic, career, and social-emotional needs of students. The school counselor also contributes to school wide college and career readiness efforts. Candidates must complete an online application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits. Key Responsibilities Develop and manage a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs Implement a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model which monitors student progress and provides personalized support for students who are not on track to graduate within four years Maintain accountability within a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model, including collaboration with the administration and faculty to regularly make data-informed, evidence-based counseling decisions Serve as a systems change agent within a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model, including the development of evidence-based programming to address priority college and career readiness needs Spend 80% or more of documented time on direct and indirect services to students. Direct services include core instruction, group activities, individual planning, crisis response; indirect services include collaboration with parents, teachers, and community resources Spend 20% or less of documented time on program planning and support Support 504 referral, evaluation, and accommodation processes for students in one’s caseload Assist students in crisis situations and refer to district or community resources when appropriate Remain current with federal laws, state statutes, and district policies related to college and career readiness Remain current with postsecondary college and career opportunities and best practices, including changes to college admission and financial aid criteria Support Special Education team on a case-by-case basis when needed, including attendance at relevant IEP meetings Understand academic requirements that lead to high school graduation Know college and career readiness strategies and programs as well as postsecondary options Assist with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment Required Qualifications Master’s Degree in School Guidance and Counseling Valid Arizona School Counselor Certification required, with certificate on file or evidence of eligibility from the Arizona Department of Education Adherence to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards for school counselors Classroom teaching experience or demonstrated effective classroom instructional practices Prior experience as a school counselor Experience in college and career readiness work and knowledge of academic, social-emotional, and career development Experience with use of technology in research, program development, management, and delivery Skills & Competencies Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community Effective verbal and written communication with parents and district personnel Develop and maintain cooperative professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, and students Ability to work with diverse populations and cultures Willingness to adapt to change and mediate between students, teachers, and parents Time management and planning skills for managing multiple cases and programs Understanding job market trends and resume/college skills Recognizing signs of mental health issues and facilitating referrals to professional services Work Environment & Physical Requirements Mostly office setting with classrooms, auditoriums, and shared spaces on campus Frequent interactions with students, teachers, administrators, and parents One-on-one or small group counseling sessions Follows school hours and calendar Emotionally demanding balancing administrative tasks and student needs Prolonged periods of sitting with occasional movement May involve lifting and carrying books, teaching materials, or light office equipment (usually under 25 lbs) Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District prohibits discrimination against employees or applicants based on protected characteristics. Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position. Position Type: Full-Time Salary: $55,886 Per Year Job Requirements Citizenship, residency or work visa required Contact Information Gina Marriott, Secretary to Principal Hughes Elementary Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Map Location information provided in job listing #J-18808-Ljbffr