What are the responsibilities and job description for the HS Guidance Counselor (2 Positions) position at Hamilton High School?
HS Guidance Counselor (2 Positions)
Location: Hamilton High School
Reports To: Building Principal
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Schedule: Full-time
Starting Date: 2026-2027 School Year
Pay Scale: Per HEA Master Agreement
JOB SUMMARY:
The Guidance Counselor provides a comprehensive school counseling program that supports students in their academic, career, and social/emotional development. This role focuses on ensuring all students are prepared for graduation and post-secondary success through individualized planning, responsive services, and collaboration with staff, families, and community partners.
The counselor contributes to a positive school climate and works to remove barriers to student achievement while aligning services with district goals and state requirements.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:
Essential functions are the core responsibilities required to successfully perform this role. The High School Counselor is also responsible for other duties as assigned, consistent with the employee’s certification and the needs of the district.
School Counseling Program Implementation
- Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with student needs and district priorities.
- Deliver classroom guidance lessons and structured group activities focused on academic success, career readiness, and social-emotional development.
- Use data to inform program decisions and monitor effectiveness.
Academic and Career Planning
- Assist students in developing and monitoring Educational Development Plans (EDPs) and graduation progress.
- Provide guidance on course selection, scheduling, and post-secondary planning (college, career, military, and trades).
- Support students in understanding graduation requirements and academic pathways.
- Collaborate with staff to support work-based learning opportunities and career exploration consistent with district programming.
Responsive Services
- Provide individual and small group counseling to address academic, social, emotional, and behavioral concerns.
- Respond to crisis situations and provide appropriate interventions and referrals.
- Connect students and families with internal and external support services as needed.
Student Support and Monitoring
- Monitor student progress, attendance, and well-being; intervene when concerns arise.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with FERPA and district expectations.
- Assist in the interpretation of student data, assessments, and test results.
Collaboration and Communication
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, families, and support staff to meet student needs.
- Participate in MTSS, PBIS, and other student support systems.
- Communicate effectively with students and families regarding academic progress, planning, and available resources.
Program Coordination and School Involvement
- Coordinate programs such as college/career events, testing programs, and scholarship opportunities.
- Participate in school improvement efforts and contribute to a positive school culture.
- Engage in professional development to remain current in counseling practices and state requirements.
Other functions of the job include, but are not limited to the following:
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, colleagues, administrators, and the school community.
- Promptly return phone calls and respond to emails.
- Participate in appropriate professional activities and training.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Building Principal or district administration, and do not violate the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of school counseling best practices
- Understanding of high school curriculum, graduation requirements, and post-secondary pathways
- Knowledge of MTSS, PBIS, and student support systems
Skills:
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to analyze student data and develop intervention strategies
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize effectively
Abilities:
- Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment
- Ability to respond effectively to crisis and sensitive situations
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field preferred
- Hold any of the following Michigan credentials:
- Temporary School Counselor License (TSCL)
- Preliminary School Counselor License (PSCL)
- Michigan Teaching Certificate with the School Counselor (NT) endorsement
- School Counselor License (SCL)
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Prior experience in a high school counseling setting preferred
BENEFITS:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- $25,000 Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
- Cash-in-lieu option
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, read, operate a computer or other instructional devices, reach with hands or arms, and may occasionally push, lift, or move up to 25–50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the Guidance Counselor is required to communicate effectively through verbal interaction.
WHO ARE WE?
Hamilton Community Schools is a rural district in West Michigan, located south of Holland and east of Saugatuck. Our well-maintained district includes one preschool learning center (Sandyview), three elementary schools (Bentheim, Blue Star, and Hamilton Elementary), one middle school, one high school, and the Hamilton Virtual School. Despite covering a large area of 135 square miles, Hamilton retains a small-town feel.
As one of the 18 member public school districts within the Ottawa Intermediate School District (OAISD), Hamilton Community Schools employs 400 staff members and serves over 2,400 full-time students, along with 1,100 non-public students across various programs and formats. Renowned throughout the state, our district is celebrated for balancing a small-town atmosphere with educational innovation, catering to the needs of every learner. With a strong focus on K-12 academics, work-based learning, athletics, and the arts, Hamilton is a destination district. WE are HAWKEYES!
Why Hamilton?
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Submit an application, cover letter and resume using the online application system.
Deadline to apply: The search committee will review applications until the position is filled. However, for best consideration, applications should be submitted by May 13, 2026.
Any questions can be sent to Mitch Bosch, Principal mbosch@hamiltonschools.us
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, color, height, weight, marital status, familial status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status with applicable state and federal laws.
DISTRIBUTION: Internal / External