What are the responsibilities and job description for the Anticipated* Secondary School Counselor position at East Union CSD?
East Union Community School District is seeking a dedicated, empathetic, and organized professional to join our team as a Secondary School Counselor. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about helping students navigate the complexities of adolescence while preparing them for post-secondary success.
The Secondary Counselor supports students’ academic, career, and social-emotional development. This role focuses on helping students plan for postsecondary success, providing individual and group counseling, coordinating testing programs, and collaborating with staff, families, and community resources.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Student Support & Counseling
- Provide individual and group counseling services to address academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Assist students in developing personal, academic, and career goals.
- Support students through crisis situations and provide referrals to outside agencies when necessary.
Academic Planning
- Guide students in course selection and long-term academic planning aligned with graduation requirements.
- Monitor student progress toward graduation and intervene when concerns arise.
- Assist with credit recovery plans and alternative pathways when needed.
Career & Postsecondary Readiness
- Provide career exploration opportunities and guidance on postsecondary options (college, workforce, military, trades).
- Assist with college applications, scholarships, financial aid (FAFSA), and career planning tools.
- Coordinate career readiness programming such as job shadowing, internships, and career fairs.
Assessment & Testing
- Coordinate and administer standardized testing programs (e.g., state assessments, ACT, PSAT).
- Interpret and communicate assessment results to students, parents, and staff.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff to support student success.
- Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and needs.
- Participate in student support teams, IEP/504 meetings, and intervention planning.
Program Management
- Maintain accurate student records in compliance with state and federal laws.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with best practices.
- Analyze data to improve counseling services and student outcomes.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field.
- Valid Iowa School Counselor license (or ability to obtain).
- Knowledge of adolescent development, counseling strategies, and postsecondary planning.
- Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a secondary school setting.
- Familiarity with Iowa academic standards, graduation requirements, and career readiness initiatives.
- Training in trauma-informed practices or mental health support.
Application Process
All candidates must apply through the TeachIowa.gov portal. Please ensure your profile includes:
- An updated resume
- A cover letter detailing your philosophy of secondary counseling
- Copies of graduate transcripts
- Three (3) current letters of recommendation
Deadline: Applications will be reviewed as received. Position remains open until filled.
East Union Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.