SY 2026-2027 Middle School Guidance Counselor

Description

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. As a Guidance Counselor, you will:

· Plan and implement, in conjunction with school and network academic leadership, the guidance curriculum for the assigned location;

· Adhere to and support all federal, state and school guidelines as it relates to school counseling and administration;

· Provides continuous reporting and updates to key stakeholders regarding the goals and effectiveness of the counseling program;

· Collects and analyzes data to guide program direction and emphasis;

· Monitors student academic performance, behavior, and attendance and facilitates appropriate interventions;

· Understand, evaluate, and interpret academic performance data to ensure that all scholars, parents and staff are receiving the required attention and direction;

· Manages/Assists with the EIS Management/Powerschool Management (responsibility varies based on school);

· Advocate on behalf of the student and/or his/her family. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect the well being of scholars.

· Guide individuals and groups of students through the development of educational, personal, social and career plans;

· Facilitate and participate in the intervention team process (responsibility varies based on school);

· Counsel individuals and small groups of children toward social and emotional growth;

· Consult with and train teachers, parents and staff regarding children's needs;

· Refer children with problems and their parents to special programs, specialists and outside agencies;

· Participate in, coordinate and conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the counseling program and school;

· Facilitate outreach efforts to provide services to students, parents/guardians and staff;

· Assist with scholar recruitment and retention activities;

· Conducts a yearly audit to review the effectiveness of the guidance program;

· Other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to Gestalt’s mission. A proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own, in partnership with the School Principal, the responsibility for the development of effective relationships and engagement within the school.

Must have a minimum Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred) in counseling and have a minimum of 1 year of effective counseling experience.

Must demonstrate keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills. This role must be able to present to and influence all levels and act as a change agent. Must be able to develop and implement initiatives and programs with minimal supervision.

Must be a self-starter with the experience and the ability to frame issues/opportunities for school leaders and senior management. A team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board or other outside partners.

Experience and/or knowledge of family resources in the Memphis community is strongly preferred.