School Counselor

School Counselor

The School Counselor provides a comprehensive school counseling program that supports students' academic achievement, career readiness, and social-emotional development. The counselor delivers proactive and responsive services to ensure all students have equitable access to opportunities for success both in school and beyond. Services are delivered through individual counseling, small-group counseling, and classroom guidance, with a focus on student growth, decision-making, and postsecondary planning.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in School Counseling
• Eligible for or currently holding a valid Virginia School Counselor License with appropriate endorsement(s)
• Tuberculin (TB) screening confirming absence of contagious tuberculosis
• Demonstrated ability to counsel individuals and small groups of students
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Key Responsibilities

Counseling Services & Student Support

• Provide individual and small group counseling services addressing academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Spend a minimum of sixty percent (60%) of the workday delivering direct counseling services to students.
• Support student development in areas including self-concept, decision-making, conflict resolution, and coping skills.
• Assist in dropout prevention efforts and student engagement initiatives.

Academic & Career Planning

• Assist students in evaluating abilities, interests, and aptitudes through assessment interpretation.
• Guide students in course selection aligned with academic and career goals.
• Provide access to post-secondary opportunities, including college, career, and military pathways.

Classroom Guidance & Prevention Programs

• Deliver classroom and group guidance lessons focused on peer relationships, self-development, and decision-making.
• Collaborate with teachers to implement developmental guidance activities.

Student Support Services & Intervention

• Participate in the Student Support Team and collaborate on interventions for student success.
• Serve on or coordinate crisis response teams and provide crisis intervention services as needed.
• Refer students to appropriate school-based or community resources.
• Provide support in sensitive situations, including child abuse reporting and suicide intervention, as required.

Family & Stakeholder Engagement

• Confer with parents and guardians regarding student progress and support strategies.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and staff to support student outcomes.

Secondary-Specific Responsibilities (as applicable)

• Assist students and families with high school academic planning and transition activities.
• Support college admissions processes, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid awareness.
• Coordinate administration of assessments such as the PSAT and ASVAB.
• Maintain and utilize career and guidance resources, including the Guidance Information System.
• Support SAT improvement initiatives and post-secondary readiness programs.
• Coordinate advisory programs and college/career readiness activities.

Elementary-Specific Responsibilities (as applicable)

• Provide developmentally appropriate classroom guidance lessons.
• Administer self-concept assessments and provide targeted small group interventions.
• Participate in or support school-based crisis teams.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and confidential student records.
• Participate in professional development to remain current in counseling practices.
• Support school-wide initiatives and programs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support student success.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of counseling theories, practices, and student support services
• Strong individual and group counseling skills
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in the use of technology and student information systems

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a school environment, including offices, classrooms, and meeting spaces.
• Duties may require walking, standing, and responding to student needs throughout the school day.
• Occasional after-hours work may be required for crisis response or student support situations.
• Work involves exposure to normal day-to-day conditions and routine risks associated with a school environment.

Supervision & Reporting

The School Counselor reports to the school principal or designee and performs duties in accordance with division policies and school counseling program standards.

Additional Compensation Information

This position is eligible for advanced degree stipends (conditions apply):

• Master's Degree + 30 Hours: $5,400 per year
• Doctoral Degree: $7,800 per year