2026-2027 Middle School Guidance Counselor

GENERAL SUMMARY, EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Secondary Counselors provide basic academic, social, and developmental instruction to students, and help foster a challenging and enriching environment that inspires students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become responsible citizens and lifelong learners.  They act as advocates for students’ well-being and serve as a valuable resource for their educational advancement
• Masters degree or higher required
• Must at all times during employment possess a Nebraska Teaching Certificate with a such endorsements as required by NDE Rules 10 and 24; and all other certification and training as required

• Clear a state criminal record check and a child abuse check

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, WITH FREQUENCIES: 

1. (C) Support student learning by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program designed to engage students and promote student success by integrating education, prevention and intervention activities; ensuring students have access to the resources necessary for academic and social development.
2. (C) Exhibit exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with a wide variety of audiences; teaching and counseling students with varying academic and social abilities, effectively communicating with parents regarding student progress, collaborating with other teachers, teacher assistants and school administrators.
3. (C) Demonstrate professionalism at all times, and maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of student information.  Serve as a role model to students, exercising good judgment, effectively collaborating with parents in a courteous and honest manner, conducting oneself according to the policies of the District and the Nebraska Board of Education, using appropriate methods to reinforce positive behaviors and resolve conflicts with students and other staff members.
4. (C) Regular, dependable in-person attendance on the job in order to maintain a student’s regular routines, foster student learning and build student relationships; the ability to perform the identified tasks and possess the identified knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the identified work activities; the ability to perform the identified physical requirements.

(Duties may vary by season or student grade levels; however, examples of typical performance responsibilities are listed below (not intended to be all-inclusive).  There may be other duties assigned to an Secondary Counselor by the Building Principal or school Administrator as part of fulfilling goals that support student learning)

Required Job Tasks

• Counsel students regarding educational issues such as course and program selection, class scheduling, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning
• Counsel students to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations and directives
• Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, other counselors, and administrators to resolve students’ behavioral, academic, and other problems.  Utilize resources to effectively communicate with others with different communication abilities (e.g. non-English speaking, hearing impaired)
• Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools
• Identify cases involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting students’ development
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children’s progress, and to determine their priorities for their children and their resource needs
• Prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks
• Provide students with information on such topics as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs
• Teach classes and present self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning
• Conduct follow-up interviews with student counselees to determine if their needs have been met
• Plan and conduct orientation programs and group conferences to promote the adjustment of students to new life experiences such as starting college
• Assess needs for assistance such as rehabilitation, financial aid, or additional vocational training, and refer clients to the appropriate services
• Instruct students in career development techniques such as job search and application strategies, resume writing, and interview skills
• Review transcripts and communicate with students and parents or guardians to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and write letters of recommendation
• Provide special services such as alcohol and drug prevention programs, anti-bullying programs, and classes that teach students to handle conflicts without resorting to violence
• Establish and supervise peer counseling and peer tutoring programs
• Plan and promote career and employment-related programs such as work-experience programs

Application Procedure:

The following documents need to be uploaded with your online application to be considered complete.  In some instances, all of these documents may not be available to you at the time of your initial application.  Once you have made your initial application and submission you will be able to go back into your application and upload additional documents.

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. Copy of your valid Nebraska Teaching Certificate or copy of your application (if you are coming from out of state a copy of your current teaching certificate)
5. A copy of your unofficial transcripts (an official copy will be required if hired)

*Please note that Confidential or Closed files from your university or college can be sent directly by the institution to Elkhorn Public Schools, Attention Sara Twyford, 20650 Glenn Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022.  Do not send any other documents directly to support your application.

Selection Procedure:

All applications are considered and screened for an interview once all documents have been submitted.  

Internal Applicants:

If you are a current employee who is seeking to change role or level within the District, please use these directions to submit your application for the job posting of interest.