School Counselor

About the Role

The School Counselor will collaborate with school leaders, faculty, staff, students, parents, and the community to develop, implement, and evaluate a high-quality comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program for grades 9-12. This role focuses on maintaining a holistic view of students’ academic plans and progress, with at least 70% of time dedicated to individual planning, scheduling, and transcript audits. Key responsibilities include managing and auditing student schedules for 100% accuracy, developing and auditing four-year plans, evaluating transcripts, and assisting with state testing rosters. The counselor will also support the campus in all four components of a comprehensive guidance program: individual planning, responsive services, guidance curriculum, and system support.

Responsibilities

• Manage and audit student schedules for 100% accuracy.
• Develop and audit four-year plans/Personal Graduation Plans (PGP) using purposeful scheduling.
• Audit transcripts using an audit form and evaluate incoming student records/transcripts.
• Evaluate transcript data entry and audit report cards.
• Conduct ongoing audits of the Campus Data Roster.
• Assist the campus leadership team with building and adjusting the master schedule based on campus needs.
• Support the four components of a comprehensive guidance program:
  • Individual Planning: Monitor development, student planning, educational and four-year plans, transcript audits, scheduling, endorsement pathways, consultation, and assessment.
  • Responsive Services: Address immediate student concerns, including academic, relationship, physical/sexual/emotional, family issues, harassment, and suicide prevention.
  • Guidance Curriculum: Promote awareness, self-development, and application of skills such as self-confidence, decision-making, goal-setting, and responsible behavior.
  • System Support: Provide program and staff support, parent education, teacher/administrator consultation, staff development, school improvement planning, community outreach, and public relations.
• Work with frequent deadlines and assist the high school principal and staff in the registration of all students.
• Maintain constant communication with administration, faculty, and parents.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Demonstrate core values: integrity, high expectations, commitment, respect, dedication to teamwork, and passion for a student-centered environment.
• Develop and implement procedures to monitor at-risk students and ensure resources are in place to support student success.
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to improve student retention.
• Provide guidance and transition information to parents and students as they move between grade levels.
• Responsible for course placement for new and returning students, including evaluating transcripts, reviewing accuracy, and creating four-year plans.
• Maintain accurate information regarding graduation requirements, course offerings, and program options.
• Work with students, parents, and staff to ensure academic success and provide alternative coursework when necessary.
• Coordinate the administration of standardized testing programs and interpret test results for students and parents while maintaining confidentiality.
• Promote problem-solving and decision-making skills, and assist students in developing self-awareness and social skills through individual and group guidance.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

School Climate

• Maintain an effective and positive relationship with supervisors and campus staff.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents.

Program Planning and Management

• Plan the school guidance and counseling program to meet identified needs.
• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of the comprehensive school counseling program.
• Teach school developmental guidance curriculum to students.
• Provide guidance through individual planning to develop educational plans.
• Offer voluntary and confidential counseling to individuals and small groups.
• Work with school personnel to obtain resources for students.
• Use an effective referral process to help students access special programs and services.
• Compile, maintain, and file all required reports, records, and documents.

School Improvement

• Interpret test results appropriately.
• Evaluate the guidance program and implement changes based on need.

Professional Growth and Development

• Keep informed and comply with state, district, and federal program policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in guidance counseling.
• Valid Texas certification as a School Counselor, or valid out-of-state School Counselor certification with the ability to obtain Texas certification within one year of employment.
• At least 2 years of high school counseling experience (preferred).

Skills

• Knowledgeable of counseling procedures, student appraisal, and career development.
• Exhibits effective human relations and promotes a positive, caring environment.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
• Effective and efficient decision-making skills.
• Skill in planning, problem-solving, and organizing work assignments.
• Ability to coordinate school support operations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, SQL Data, and Windows Applications.

Working Conditions

• Work with frequent interruptions and deadlines.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Occasional prolonged or irregular hours.
• Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned.
• Moderate lifting and carrying.