School Guidance Counselor

Position Overview

The High School Counselor serves as a key support for students in academic planning, social and emotional development, and college/career readiness. The counselor collaborates with administrators, teachers, families, and community partners to ensure that students are supported in achieving success and are prepared for life after graduation. The role requires adherence to the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) counseling standards and ethical guidelines.

Primary Responsibilities

Academic and Graduation Planning

• Guide students in course selection to ensure progress toward graduation requirements established by MDE.

• Monitors requirements for graduation.

• Monitor academic performance and collaborate with staff to address student needs.

• Coordinate scheduling, enrollment changes, and student placement decisions.

• Assist with the development and maintenance of student Individual Success Plans, including graduation endorsements (Traditional, Academic, ROTC, Career & Technical, Distinguished).

College and Career Readiness

• Provide support for post-secondary planning: college applications, military pathways, technical training programs, apprenticeships, and workforce connections.

• Coordinate college/career fairs, recruiter visits, and financial aid workshops.

• Assist students and families with FAFSA completion and scholarship opportunities.

Student Support Services

• Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling related to academic, social, emotional, or behavioral concerns.

• Recognize when students require additional mental health support and collaborate with appropriate service providers.

• Participate in student support teams and respond to crisis interventions as needed.

Assessment and Data Coordination

• Assist with state testing coordination and support student preparation, including ACT, PSAT, AP planning, and WorkKeys awareness.

• Utilize academic, attendance, and behavioral data to pinpoint student needs and monitor progress.

Communication and Collaboration

• Maintain regular communication with families regarding their students' progress and any concerns.

• Serve as a liaison between the school and external agencies when appropriate.

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and district personnel to foster a safe and supportive school climate.

Other Assigned Duties by Principal

Qualifications

• Valid Mississippi Educator License with the Guidance Counselor (436) endorsement (required).

• Master’s Degree in School Counseling from an accredited institution.

• Knowledge of Mississippi graduation pathways, endorsement requirements, and accountability measures.

• Strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, and staff.

• If the candidate has no school counseling experience, the candidate must have successfully completed an internship program.

Work Environment

• School-based, with frequent interaction with students, parents, and faculty.

• May require participation in evening events (e.g., parent meetings, college nights, scheduling conferences).

• 220 Day Contract.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with district policy and the Mississippi Educator Professional Growth System for School Counselors.