SY 2026-2027 Middle School Guidance Counselor

About the Role

The Guidance Counselor is responsible for utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration to promote student success, provide preventive services, and respond to identified student needs by developing, managing, delivering, and assessing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career, and personal/social development for all students.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement the guidance curriculum in conjunction with school and network academic leadership.
• Adhere to and support federal, state, and school guidelines related to school counseling and administration.
• Provide continuous reporting and updates to stakeholders on the goals and effectiveness of the counseling program.
• Collect and analyze data to guide program direction and emphasis.
• Monitor student academic performance, behavior, and attendance, facilitating appropriate interventions.
• Evaluate and interpret academic performance data to ensure scholars, parents, and staff receive necessary attention and direction.
• Manage or assist with EIS/Powerschool management (responsibility varies by school).
• Advocate on behalf of students and their families, ensuring their well-being.
• Guide individuals and groups of students in developing educational, personal, social, and career plans.
• Facilitate and participate in the intervention team process (responsibility varies by school).
• Counsel individuals and small groups toward social and emotional growth.
• Consult with and train teachers, parents, and staff on children's needs.
• Refer students and parents to special programs, specialists, and outside agencies.
• Participate in, coordinate, and conduct activities contributing to the counseling program and school's effectiveness.
• Facilitate outreach efforts to provide services to students, parents/guardians, and staff.
• Assist with scholar recruitment and retention activities.
• Conduct a yearly audit to review the guidance program's effectiveness.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to Gestalt’s mission.
• Proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who can develop effective relationships and engagement within the school.
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in counseling (Master’s preferred) with at least 1 year of effective counseling experience.
• Strong analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to present and influence at all levels, acting as a change agent.
• Self-starter capable of developing and implementing initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Experience framing issues/opportunities for school leaders and senior management.
• Team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills, including presenting key data to senior management and partners.
• Preferred: Experience and/or knowledge of family resources in the Memphis community.