Guidance Counselor 2026-2027

About our School: Saint Mary’s offers its student body of 500 young men and women a rigorous Catholic liberal arts and sciences curriculum, a developed fine arts program, a diversity of athletics and extracurricular activities, regular access to the sacraments, and a strong retreat program. As a diocesan Catholic school, Saint Mary’s takes great pride in striving to form virtuous young men and women who know the Truth and love the Good. In all areas of campus life, Saint Mary’s strives to create an encounter with Christ. General Description: Saint Mary’s Catholic High School, Arizona’s oldest Catholic school, is seeking a Guidance Counselor to begin immediately for the 2026-2027 school year. The preferred candidate promotes and enhances the educational experience for students through an integration of academic, personal/social, and post-secondary support and advisement. Candidates must be a team player and adept at working with students and families. Candidate possesses a graduate degree in relevant area. Candidates should have a passion for Catholic education and the formation of young men and women in virtue. Purpose and Scope Under the supervision of the principal: The Guidance Counselor plans, coordinates, and implements programs and services directed toward the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of each student. Essential Job Functions Spiritual Strives to achieve the philosophy and goals of Catholic education as well as the Mission of the SchoolPromotes and upholds Gospel values and Catholic moral teachingProvides opportunities for the students to be prepared for life in today’s Church and societyWorks towards the creation of a Catholic community within the classroom, school environment, and the entire school community Academic Advises and coordinates the course of study for each student to secure appropriate placement and/or meet their graduation and college requirementsSchedules individual meetings with each student to evaluate his/her academic progressProvides guidance to students, parents, and staff on requestMonitors student’s records for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding student goalsMonitors student academic progress and refers students for additional assistance as neededMaintains and facilitates communication with students, parents, teachers, and administratorsProvides a variety of resources for academic growth and development Testing Coordinates and/or implements all school testing programsInterprets and communicates test results for students, parents, and teachers College and Career Provides students with general information regarding college admissionConducts college planning seminars for students and parentsProvides opportunities for students and parents to meet with college and university representativesCommunicates to students and parents information regarding financial aid and availability of scholarshipsCommunicates to students and parents information regarding educational opportunities beyond the local school communityWrites recommendations and prepares documentation for college applicationsAssists students in matching career goals with skills and interestsProvides opportunities for career exploration Guidance and Curriculum Collaborates with teachers to present guidance curriculum to students in a classroom settingProvides speakers, material and resources for guidance presentations Personal Growth Identifies interpersonal skills that will help students understand and respect self and othersAdvocates for the student with parents and school personnelSchedules meetings with individual student to evaluate his/her personal growth and progressCoordinates and facilitates parent, student, and teacher conferenceProvides for personal counseling and referral as neededAssists students and parents in developing plans to address behavioral or attendance issuesRefers students and their parents to community agencies, programs, or specialists as appropriateFacilitates any conflicts between interested parties Professional Growth Continues professional development to remain current with religious and academic certificationsKeeps informed of current practices through professional reading and educational opportunitiesParticipates in professional activities and joins appropriate professional organizationsAttends Diocesan sponsored in-servicesAttends and actively participates in school faculty meetings and in-servicesActively participates in the process of continuous school improvementMaintains personal professional development records Performs any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the principal or designated supervisor Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required Completes Ministry Formation Certification and/or re-certification as required by Diocesan policyCompletes required Safe Environment Training and Code of EthicsPromotes awareness and adherence to appropriate guidelines regarding confidentiality, the distinction between public and private information and staff consultation.Recognizes when a student’s condition indicates a clear and imminent danger to the student or others and is knowledgeable on informing the appropriate person/sDemonstrates personal self-discipline, be adaptable and flexible in routine and unexpected situationsUses good judgment in daily encountersUses verbal and written language correctlyDemonstrates knowledge and understanding of good adolescent psychologyMaintains appropriate grooming and dress at all times as stated in the faculty HandbookDemonstrates knowledge of applicable computer software Minimum Qualification Preference given to Catholic guidance counselorExperience in high school counseling preferredIf Catholic, willing to make a public Profession of Faith; If Non-Catholic willing to support Catholic teachings and philosophyHolds a Master’s Degree and is certified by the Arizona State Department of Education as a Guidance Counselor and meets applicable accreditation requirementsCurrent FBI Fingerprint clearance card Terms of Employment 10 and a half month employee (paid on a 12-month contract); Diocesan salary and benefits package