School Counselor

Position Type:
Student Support Services/Guidance Counselor

Date Posted:
6/10/2026

Location:
District Office

Date Available:
08/03/2026

Closing Date:
ASAP
Counselor Grades K-12

JOB DESCRIPTION:

To provide, as a member of the Guidance Department staff, a comprehensive, developmental, standards-based guidance and counseling program for students in kindergarten through grade 12, striving to achieve a delivery system based on the following time commitment: Pre-K/elementary, 40%; middle school, 35%; and high school, 25%.


QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's degree in education, counseling, educational psychology or strongly-related field from an accredited university.


2. For the State of Colorado, these requirements include but are not limited to course work in individual and group counseling theories and skills, childhood and adolescent growth and development, career counseling, assessment and individual appraisal and completion of practicum and internships.


3. Previous counseling work in a school setting.


4. Demonstrate familiarity with computer technology.


5. Familiar with a variety of standardized testing programs and applicability to curricular program; is proficient with planning for life after High School (i.e. college, military, work force, etc.).


6. Maintain cooperative, supportive, calm and friendly work environment.


7. Have knowledge and skill in the use of effective classroom instruction; prior teaching experience invaluable.


8. Have knowledge of student needs in the area of program development


9. Able to assist in identifying learning and developmental problems of students.


RESPONSIBLE TO AND EVALUATED BY:
The Principal and/or Assistant Principal.


TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
A ten (10) month contract, beginning two weeks before the start of school and finishing two weeks after the dismissal of school. Salary is commensurate with Board-approved salary schedule. Salary schedule is available on > Financial Transparency > Salary Schedules. Wage starts at $46,633 but is dependent on education and experience.

BENEFITS:
PERA; School district health insurance benefits available, personal days and sick days as per district policy, and all holidays and breaks per school calendar.

EVALUATION:
Performance of the Counselor will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of Board policy.


DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. Counseling:

1. Classroom guidance

a. Assume leadership in organizing and developing a comprehensive, developmental, standards-based guidance and counseling program.

b. Conduct guidance learning activities in the classroom setting as a prevention of potential problems in conjunction with school administrators and teachers, as planned in conjunction with school administrators and teachers.

c. Consult with and/or be a resource person for teachers to facilitate the infusion of guidance learning activities into the regular education curricula.

d. Consult with teachers, staff and parents to enhance their effectiveness in helping students and provide support for other school educational programs.


2. Small group counseling

a. Conduct structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions to meet the identified needs of individuals or groups of students.

b. Assist students in evaluating aptitudes and abilities through interpretation of standardized test scores and other pertinent data.

c. Facilitate preparation for college prep tests including: PSAT, SAT and ASVAB.


3. Individual counseling

a. Provide orientation activities for students new to the school.

b. Guide groups and individual students and their parents in the use of test results and information for education and career planning.

c. With parent involvement, develop an educational and career plan for each student.

d. Work closely with the school-to-career coordinator in facilitating implementation of activities into classrooms.

e. Coordinate summer employment and academic opportunities such as summer school, camps, summer sessions at colleges, etc.

f. Supervise preparation and processing of college, technical school and work place applications and scholarships.

g. Arrange on as-need basis for information regarding summer school work, GED and alternative education possibilities, correspondence courses, referrals for tutors.

h. Introduce high school students to education opportunities such as Mesa State College's concurrent enrollment, UTEC, Job Corps, BOCES-sponsored preparation for GED and alternative programs of education.


i. Train and coordinate peer facilitators.


j. Remain available to students to provide counseling that will lead to increased personal growth, self-understand and maturity

B. Consulting

1. Consult with teachers, staff and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students at all grade levels.

2. Participate in staffing as requested by special education personnel.

3. Be available to participate in parent-teacher-student conferences

4. Work with teachers in developing and adviser-advisee program.


C. Coordinating
1. After consultation with the parents, except on specific issues of student safety, per "mandatory reporting status", refer students with severe problems to appropriate community agencies, i.e. school-based clinician, school psychologist, nurse, community-based psychologists, social service agencies and physicians.

2. Collaborate with school-based crisis intervention team.

3. Coordinate other guidance-related services (student assessment, advisement, community resources and placement).


D. Working with Parents:
1. Involve parents in the formation of an individualized educational and career plan for students of all ages.

2. Interpret the school's objectives to parents and community members.


E. Staff and Community Relations:
1. Maintain contact with the graduation class from the previous year.

2. Continue to build positive working relationships with Grand Mesa High School and Job Corps.


3. Serve as a part of a school coordination team (principals, nurse, alternative programs facilitator, school-based clinician, and Title I teacher) on behalf of the needs of students.


4. Provide pertinent articles for the local newspaper featuring school program offerings, event calendars, assessment schedules, and student achievement highlights.


F. Professional Growth:
1. Attend relevant workshops and conferences.

2. Actively participate in professional associations as appropriate.

3. Read professional journals.


G. Evaluate and Revise the Guidance Program:
1. Review periodically with the staff and administration the guidance program.

2. Review and modify the guidance program calendar.

3. Evaluate guidance learning activities.

4. Establish and advisory committee to audit the guidance program results and recommend priorities to the appropriate administrator.


H. Miscellaneous:
1. Able to communicate effectively in both written and oral situations and maintain accurate records of communication and student information.

2. Maintain professional appearance and attitude.