9-12 High School Counselor

Position Title: High School Counselor
Grade Levels: 9–12
Reports To: Building Principal
Employment Type: Full-Time, School Year
Endorsement Area: Professional School Counselor 5-12 - 173

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

The High School Counselor serves as a vital member of the school leadership team and implements a comprehensive school counseling program aligned to the American School Counselor Association National Model. The counselor supports the academic, career, and social emotional development of all students in grades 9–12, ensuring each student is prepared for postsecondary success.

This position promotes student achievement and life readiness through direct services to students and indirect services in collaboration with families, staff, and community partners.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in School Counseling
• Valid state certification/licensure in School Counseling
• Knowledge of and commitment to the ASCA National Model
• Demonstrated understanding of high school academic planning and postsecondary readiness
• Commitment to ethical and professional standards

Essential Responsibilities:

Program Leadership and Development

• Design, implement, and assess a comprehensive school counseling program aligned to school improvement goals
• Align services to ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success
• Establish annual program goals and data priorities
• Monitor program effectiveness and implement continuous improvement strategies
• Participate in leadership team meetings and contribute to schoolwide initiatives

Direct Services to Students

Instruction

• Deliver classroom counseling lessons focused on academic achievement, career exploration, and social emotional development
• Develop lesson plans and small group programming aligned to identified student needs

Appraisal and Advisement

• Provide individual academic planning and goal setting for students in grades 9–12
• Guide students in course selection, graduation requirements, and credit tracking
• Assist students with postsecondary planning including college applications, career pathways, military options, and workforce readiness
• Support scholarship, financial aid, and testing processes

Counseling

• Provide short term individual and small group counseling
• Assist students in managing emotions and applying effective interpersonal skills
• Refer students and families to appropriate long term or external support services when necessary
  
  

Indirect Services for Students

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to promote student success
• Consult with families regarding academic, behavioral, and social emotional concerns
• Advocate for students in IEP meetings, 504 meetings, and other student support discussions
• Partner with community agencies and postsecondary institutions
• Analyze student data to identify achievement gaps and implement targeted interventions

Program Management

• Develop and maintain annual and weekly calendars aligned to program priorities
• Monitor use of time to ensure services are focused on student outcomes
• Establish and track school counseling data priorities
• Contribute to advisory meetings and administrator conferences regarding program effectiveness

Assessment and Accountability

• Conduct regular program assessments to measure impact on student outcomes
• Use data to demonstrate program effectiveness and inform future planning
• Participate in annual performance appraisal
• Engage in ongoing professional development and self assessment

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families
• Data analysis and goal setting skills
• Commitment to equity and advocacy for all students
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
  
  

Working Conditions

• School based environment
• Frequent interaction with students, families, and staff
• Occasional evening commitments for events such as parent meetings or postsecondary planning sessions

Please submit a cover letter and resume with three work/professional references to Michael Wabel at mwabel@agwsr.org

SKILLS AND JOB FUNCTIONS (For all AGWSR Community Schools Positions)

Demonstrated Experience or Willing to Acquire Skills:

1. Exhibits essential dispositions and ownership of the district mission of “Providing Excellence in Education so that each student will discover Life-Long Learning and become a self-respecting, contributing adult member of society.”
2. Exhibits essential dispositions of being a collaborative leader and colleague
3. Exhibits effective communications skills
4. Effective outcomes in providing students behavioral and social-emotional support
5. Exhibits patience, tolerance, persistence, and flexibility for effective outcomes for students
6. Exhibits organization, growth mindset, grit, and enthusiasm for effective outcomes for students
7. Prompt and regular attendance 
8. Shows appropriate hospitality to students, parents, colleagues, and stakeholders
9. Demonstrate confidentiality as needed and required
10. Success in working with students from diverse backgrounds or willingness to acquire these skills.
11. Comply with AGWSR Community Schools Board Policy/Regulations and Handbook Policy