SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

About the Role

The School Counselor at Paideia Liberal Arts Academy (PLA) implements a comprehensive school counseling program based on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and the Arizona Comprehensive Competency-Based Guidance (CCBG) framework. The counselor supports student academic achievement, social/emotional development, and postsecondary planning — including concurrent enrollment — with a strong emphasis on equity, access, and advocacy for all students.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct counseling services using the ASCA/CCBG models through classroom guidance, small groups, and individual student planning.
• Support students in understanding and achieving academic success, postsecondary goals, and personal development.
• Create a positive school culture that reflects Paideia’s core values: Respect and Responsibility.
• Guide students in developing academic and career plans that include opportunities for dual enrollment at South Mountain Community College.
• Support students in exploring college and career options aligned with their strengths and interests.
• Provide structured transition support for key milestones: elementary to middle, middle to high school, and high school to postsecondary education or work.
• Coordinate PLA’s concurrent enrollment program, including:
  • Identifying and supporting eligible students.
  • Collaborating with South Mountain Community College.
  • Supporting students and families with the application, enrollment, and success in college-level coursework.
• Promote awareness and participation in early college experiences.
• Conduct family workshops on topics such as academic planning, college readiness, mental health, and character education.
• Actively engage families through meetings, home visits, and collaborative problem-solving when needed.
• Refer families to appropriate community resources when necessary.
• Provide responsive counseling for individual and group needs related to behavior, attendance, trauma, or mental health.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and external agencies to support students requiring additional interventions.
• Serve as a key member of student support and child study teams.
• Maintain student records and data, using results to improve the counseling program.
• Conduct annual needs assessments and student surveys to inform programming.
• Report program outcomes to stakeholders including school leadership and the school board.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field.
• Valid Arizona Guidance Counselor Certificate.
• Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with historically underserved student populations.
• Familiarity with dual/concurrent enrollment programs or community college partnerships.
• Experience using PowerSchool, Naviance, or similar systems.

Required Competencies

• Deep understanding of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and college and career readiness frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to use data to inform decisions and track student progress.
• Knowledge of the ASCA National Model, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and culturally responsive counseling practices.

Pay

$62,000–$70,000 yearly salary